Discussion:
You have been hired as a consultant to help a local machine shop solve a hazardous noise problem. The shop is 10,000 square feet in area, with 12-foot-high concrete block walls and a flat metal roof. Inside the shop are two band saws, two metal lathes, three drill presses, one milling machine, and three abrasive grinders. The six employees work at benches located throughout the shop, using a variety of pneumatic-powered hand tools and non-powered tools. A recent noise survey found sound pressure levels exceeding 100dBA in some parts of the shop. All employees were monitored for noise exposure over an eight-hour workday, and the calculated TWA for noise for the employees ranged from 88dBA to 97dBA.
Determine a possible control measure for each of the six levels in the hierarchy of controls , and explain the reasoning behind each choice. Which control measure(s) would you recommend to the machine shop manager?
Response must be at least 200 words in length. The six levels: Elimination Substitution of less hazards materials,process, operations, or equipment. Engineering controls Warnings Administration controls Personal protection equipment.