Abstracts Category : Other

A Pilot Study of Occupational Noise Exposures Among Selected CSUSM Employees

by Siamak Doroodi

We conducted a pilot study on personal noise exposure assessments for seventeen employees at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) during August and September of 2017. Noise exposures were measured using calibrated dosimeters with data-logging capabilities to document average sound level (LAVG), eight-hour time weighted average sound level (LTWA), peak noise level (LCPK), and the Dose. In addition, all participants completed survey questionnaires inquiring about their use of personal protective equipment (hearing protection), knowledge of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) PPE standards, and attitudes towards requirements for PPE. The results of this pilot study showed that LAVG ranged from 47.5 to 73.9 dBA (Dose = 0.1-9.7%) and the highest LCPK was found to be 140.6 dBA. All the participants were within OSHA???s permissible noise exposure standard of 90 dBA for an 8-hour period. However, two of the seventeen participants marginally exceeded the OSHA???s LCPK level of 140 dBA by 0.6 dBA.. The results from the survey questionnaire showed that 80% of the participants were satisfied with their PPE, approximately 87% wore their hearing protection when required and followed all established CSUSM policies for hearing conservation. Overall, the results showed that CSUSM employees included in this study have minimal risks of developing hearing loss from occupational noise exposures. However, it is recommended that employees must continue to adhere to the existing and effective Hearing Conservation Program at CSUSM with a view to maintaining compliance with OSHA???s Occupational Noise Exposure Standard (29 CFR 1910.95).Advisors/Committee Members: Iyiegbuniwe, Emmanuel (advisor), Holub, Christina (committeemember).