KOC.he.006 - Noise Exposure Control and Management Procedure

Noise Exposure Control and Management Procedure Page 1 of 18

Noise Exposure Control and Management Procedure Document Number: KOC.HE.006 Approver: (Technical) Approver: (Administrative) Scope:

Manager HSE

Author:

TL Health and Environment TL Standards

Manager HSE All KOC Directorates

Document Coordinator: Control Tier:

3

Issue Date:

May 28, 2009

Issuing Group:

HSE Group

Revision/Review Date:

May 28, 2009

Next Review Date:

May 27, 2010

1.0 Scope/ Purpose This procedure defines occupational noise management for all KOC’s facilities and also applies to occupational noise management by contractors and sub-contractors. The principal objective of the legislation and this document is to reduce the incidence and severity of hearing loss resulting from excessive noise exposure in KOC workplaces. This document outlines the mandatory requirements and specifies the arrangement for the management of exposure to occupational noise within KOC facilities. The requirements for the management of environmental noise are not covered in this document.

2.0 Definitions Sound: Energy vibrations, which travel through the air in waves that the human ear can detect Noise: Are the undesired sounds resulting from sound waves emitted from indoor or outdoor sources which have immediate rapid effect on the activity of workers, which may affect their hearing ability. Noise doses: Noise exposure expressed as a percentage of the noise exposure limit. Noise-induced hearing loss - diminution of hearing due to prolonged, habitual exposure to high-intensity noise. Occupational Noise: is the exposure to high levels of noise at the various working locations and other non-industrial occupational working locations. Environmental Noise: noise in all other settings, whether at the community, residential, or domestic level (e.g. traffic, playgrounds, sports, music). Decibel (dB): Is the unit for measuring extent of noise to which human ear is exposed. It is calculated by the logarithmic difference between the pressure of the sound desired to measure its intensity (A) and the pressure of the lease sound (Po), which the human ear may hear, which is (20) micro Pascal, as specified by the measuring device compatible with the international standard specifications ISO-176. Dose monitoring: Noise readings that are integrated over time, providing an average noise exposure reading for a given amount of time (e.g., an eight-hour workday). dB(A): A-Weighted Decibel - a measure of sound levels as experienced by humans, calculated using a spectral sensitivity factor (A- Filter) that weights sound pressure levels by frequency to correspond to the sensitivity of the human ear. Control Tier: 3

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Sound level meter (SLM): Sound Level Meter (SLM) are used to measure decibels and defines sound pressure in relation to a fixed reference. Sound Power Level (SPL): or Acoustic Power Level is a logarithmic measure of the sound power in comparison to a specified reference level. Dosimeter: An instrument that measures sound levels over a specified interval, stores the measurements, calculates the sound as a function of sound level and sound duration, and then describes the results in terms of dose, time-weighted average, and other parameters (e.g., peak level, equivalent sound level, and sound exposure level. Standard threshold shift (STS): A change in a person’s hearing threshold level in either ear relative to his or her baseline audiogram of an average of 10 dB or more at multiple frequencies (2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz). In determining whether a standard threshold shift has occurred, allowance may be made for the contribution of ageing (Presbycusis) to the change in hearing level. Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS): A hearing loss suffered as a result of noise exposure, all or part of which is recovered during an arbitrarily determined period of time away from the noise. Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS): Also known as irreversible hearing loss that results from exposure to intense impulse or continuous sound for months or years. Noise-induced hearing loss: Diminution of hearing as the result of prolonged, persistent exposure to high intensity noise. Presbycusis: Change in hearing thresholds related to physiological changes that occur with age of a person. Annual audiometric testing (AAT) group: Individuals who have annual audiometric testing and medical clearance, under fitness-for-duty, to continue to work in high noise areas, jobs, or assignments as defined in Section 5.3.1. Periodic audiometric testing (PAT) group: Individuals who are exposed only occasionally to noise who are offered audiometric testing every two years Engineering controls: Any use of engineering methods to reduce or control the sound level of a noise source by modifying or replacing equipment or by making any physical changes at the noise source or along the transmission path (with the exception of hearing protectors). Administrative controls: Efforts by management to limit personnel's noise exposure by modifying their schedules (e.g. rotation) or locations or by modifying the operating schedule of noisy equipment Hearing protection devices (HPDs): Ear plugs, otoplastics and/or earmuffs designed to help prevent significant hearing loss and used as the last line of defence against noise in the work environment where engineering and/or administrative controls have not reduced personnel exposure to safe levels. Noise reduction rating (NRR): A single-number rating method that attempts to describe a specific hearing protector (i.e., brand/mode) based on how much it reduces the overall noise level in laboratory testing.

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Fit test (hearing protectors): An audiometric test performed with insert-type earplugs in place to document the approximate protection of the inserts for the individual. The insert-type earplugs should generally provide 10 to 15 dB of protection at each frequency.

3.0 General Requirements Kuwait EPA Regulations (KEPA) (Appendix 13)

4.0 Key Responsibilities 4.1

Asset Team Leaders & Project Controlling Teams

Asset team leaders and project controlling teams must ensure that: • • • • • • • • • •

New equipment design meets the requirements of KOC’s standardKOC-L-030. The elements of the HCP (Hearing Conservation Programme) are completed, e.g., training, audiometric testing, etc. Personnel use appropriate hearing protection devices (HPDs). The work relationship is investigated if abnormal audiograms are found Engineering noise controls are put in place and maintained according to the hierarchy of Control. The overall effectiveness of the hearing conservation programs is assessed and documented. Areas where hearing protection must be used have signage. Proper hearing protection is available and is used where needed Feasibility studies for engineering controls are conducted, documented, and measures implemented according to the plan. Deviations and non-conformance are recorded with reasons. 4.2

Health Safety and Environmental (HSE) Team Leaders

HSE Team Leaders are responsible for: • Administering the hearing conservation and noise control programmes. • Monitoring regulatory standards and legislation for changes that may affect the hearing conservation and noise control programmes and informing controlling teams of those changes to facilitate improvements in the hearing conservation and noise control programs. • Helping ensure that appropriate training is developed and made available to all personnel identified to receive training. • Determining when and where hearing protectors must be used on the site. • Specifying types of hearing protection devices that should be considered by the site as options for the types of noise involved. • Auditing for compliance with the hearing conservation and noise control programmes. 4.3

Health and Environment Team Leader

H&E Team Leader is responsible for: • Advising on noise control and management issues • Advising on regulatory requirements for noise control and management issues 4.4

Head PMS & Occupational Health

The Head PMS Ahmadi Hospital is responsible for:

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• • • • •

Providing the medical conservation and conducting audiometric testing in accordance with the requirements of this document. Insures that review and analysis of audiograms is handled by the appropriate professional(s) and communicate with HSE technical staff. Assisting in investigations of reasons for abnormal audiograms. Implementing the requirements for medical screening of employees in a hearing conservation programme. Conduct pre-employment hearing test to ensure suitability of the employee to the assigned job. 4.5

Personnel

All personnel must ensure that: • HSE and Controlling Teams are made aware of any changes in noise levels of existing equipment. • HSE and Controlling Teams are made aware of the purchase, rental, lease, or acquisition of equipment with noise-producing potential. • They use appropriate hearing protection devices (HPDs) properly when specified and apply requested noise abatement techniques.

5.0 Procedure 5.1 Allowable Occupational Noise Limits The occupational exposure limits for noise are stated in the Kuwait Environmental Protection Authority Regulations Implemented Under Law No. 21 of 1995 as Amended by Law No. 16 of 1996 Regarding Environmental Requirements and Standards in the State of Kuwait (KEPA Regulations). The KEPA Regulations requires KOC to take all practicable steps to ensure that no personnel are exposed to noise above the following levels: (a) Eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, LAeq,8h, of 85 dB(A) (dose 100%); and (b) Peak sound pressure level, Lpeak, of 140 dB. • • • •

For KEPA’s Allowable Noise Limits at Work Environment refer to Appendix (1) For KEPA’s Noise Limits Allowed at the Various Locations Inside the Industrial Facilities Buildings on the Basis of Noise Level Decibel A (dBA) refer to Appendix (2) For KEPA’s Maximum Limits Allowed for Indoor Noise in Non-Industrial environment refer to Appendix (3) For KEPA’s Limits Allowed for Ultra-Sound Waves refer to Appendix(4). 5.2

Health Effects of Occupational Noise Exposure

5.2.1 Audio Effects •

Acoustic Trauma: is the sudden loss of hearing caused by a short burst of extremely loud noise such as a gun shot.

•

Temporary Hearing loss: also known as temporary threshold shift (TTS) occurs immediately after exposure to loud noise for several hours. Gradual recovery occurs when the affected spends time in a quite place. Complete recovery may take several hours.

•

Tinnitus or ringing in the ear: is a buzzing or ringing noise in the ear. The condition may be temporary or last for several years.

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•

Permanent hearing loss: also known as permanent threshold shift (PTS) progress constantly as noise exposure continues month after month and year after year. The hearing impairment is usually not noticeable until it is substantial enough to interfere with routine activities. At this stage, permanent and irreversible hearing damage has occurred which cannot be cured by medical treatment and will worsen as noise exposure continues. When noise exposure ceases, noise induced hearing loss will not worsen but hearing sensitivity is not regained. In old age, hearing may worsen as age related-hearing loss adds to the noise induced hearing loss.

•

5.2.2

Noise may also: - Interfere with understanding speech - Cause a stress reaction - Lower morale - Reduce efficiency - Cause annoyance - Interfere with concentration - Case fatigue Non-Auditory Effects of Noise

Non-auditory effects are effects of noise other than those related to hearing loss. Such effects can be divided in two categories:

•

Physiological effects: o Startling response to loud noise: muscles burst into activity, generally with the intention to protect. o The muscles tension response: where muscles tend to contract in the presence of loud noise. o The respiratory reflexes o Changes in the heart beat pattern. o Changes in the diameter of blood vessels particularly in the skin

•

Performance effects: Noise interfere with speech communication

•

Annoyance: noise is annoying if the exposed individuals would like to reduce the noise, avoid, or leave the noisy area. The same noise could be annoying to some people but acceptable to others. There is no definite relationship between the degree of annoyance and the risk of adverse health effects.

•

Job interference: Depending on the type of activity, noise can severely affect the efficiency of task performance. 5.3

Noise Assessment

5.3.1

Competent person

Detailed noise assessments must be carried out by a competent person. The competent person carrying out the assessment should have a thorough understanding of the: • Objectives of the assessment; • Correct way to use noise measuring instruments; • Limitations of noise measuring instruments; • Limitations of the noise exposure assessment strategy; • Interpretation of the results; Control Tier: 3

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• Recording of the results; • The relevant legislation and KOC documentation. 5.3.2

Noise-level surveys

The Controlling Team of each facility shall ensure that a competent person, such as an occupational/ industrial hygienist, carries out an appropriate noise assessment where any personnel are likely to be exposed to a noise hazard. 5.3.3

Preliminary Assessment

It is recommended that a preliminary assessment (walkthrough survey) be carried out initially. Areas are identified where noise levels are likely to, or actually, exceed the exposure limits. From this preliminary assessment, it can be determined which tasks, processes or areas in the workplace require detailed assessment. Since preliminary assessments are a screening tool to identify whether a problem exists or not, they do not require sophisticated equipment or highly trained personnel. The emphasis is on identification of potential noise hazards, rather than full assessment of that noise. Preliminary assessments should be carried out when there has been no previous assessment, or when previous assessments are 5 or more years old or there are additions of equipment / change in process. 5.3.4

How to carry out a Preliminary Assessment

Preliminary assessments are carried out by walking through a particular work area, and noting the noise exposure of employees. Notes should be made of plant and processes that are present, and the noise generated by them. Some limited noise measurement can be carried out, although it is not essential at this stage. A type 2 or type 3 sound level meter (see IEC 60651 and 60804 standards) is adequate for these assessments. Preliminary assessments often find noise sources or processes where simple noise control measures may be introduced before conducting a detailed assessment. For example, fastening down a loose vibrating panel on a machine. If the results of the preliminary assessment indicate that noise hazards exist, then a detailed assessment then needs to be conducted. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of the control measures, a detailed assessment should also be conducted after the controls have been put in place. 5.3.5

Detailed noise assessment

The aim of a noise hazard assessment is to assess the noise environment and to establish whether or not the workplace contains noise that exceeds the exposure limits. A detailed assessment is required: • Where complex noise sources are present; • If there is doubt about whether the noise levels exceed the exposure limits; or • If there is any reason to believe, (such as from preliminary assessment results), that noise levels are, or may exceed the exposure limits. Detailed assessments will provide information that will: • Quantify the amount of noise to which employees are exposed; • Help identify sources of noise; • Assist in developing noise control strategies; and • Determine appropriate hearing protector needs.

Control Tier: 3

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5.3.6

Frequency of surveys

Noise-level surveys must be conducted at the following intervals: • Initially at all work areas including office buildings • Annually for all industrial areas with eight hours equivalent noise levels of 80 dB(A) and above unless an operation has at least two years of data that show that noise levels remain consistent. In this case, the interval can also be extended to every 24 months (two years). • 24 months (two years) for other locations inside Industrial Facility Buildings and Non-Industrial Office Buildings • Whenever any significant changes in equipment or process occur that may affect noise levels or when personnel notice increases in noise levels • For office buildings, it is recommended to conduct noise level surveys every three years. 5.4 5.4.1

Control of Noise The Source, Path, Receiver Model

Every noise problem has three basic elements: • A source: from which the noise originates and radiates; • A path: along which the noise travels. The noise path includes passage through the air, or along or through an object such as a wall or pipe; • A receiver: the ears of the person hearing the sound. Noise can be controlled at the point of source, by blocking the noise path, or protecting the receiver. Noise control options centred on the noise source are the most effective, while noise control options centred on protecting the receiver are the least effective. Receiver-based options control exposure to noise rather than the noise itself. Noise control options are based around: • Engineering controls – e.g. modifying a process or equipment; • Administrative controls – e.g. reducing the time a person is exposed to a noisy process; • Provision of personal protection – e.g. providing hearing protectors. Noise control measures should first be directed at the source, and then at the sound path. If these control measures are unsuccessful, hearing protectors can be used as the final option. Guidance on appropriate control measures can be obtained from an occupational/ industrial hygienist. 5.4.2

Purchasing/supply of equipment

KOC facilities, when hiring or purchasing equipment must have a appropriate purchasing policy to obtain equipment, wherever possible, that minimises noise emissions. All equipment supplied to KOC facilities must be maintained in accordance with manufacturers’ guidance and have a planned preventative maintenance (PPM) schedule. Further guidance can be obtained from KOC-L-030 KOC Standard for Plant and Equipment Noise Control. 5.5 5.5.1

Control of Noise Exposure using Hearing Protection Devices Introduction

Hearing protectors must not be used as a substitute for noise control. They must be regarded as a measure of last resort if the control of excessive noise exposure by engineering or other means can not be achieved. Further guidance can be obtained Control Tier: 3

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from KOC-L-010 Part 1 KOC Standard for Personal Protective Equipment (Ear, Eyes, Hand, and Head Protection). Advice can be sought from an occupational/ industrial hygienist. 5.5.2

Hearing Protector Programme

As part of a hearing protector programme, the following needs to be considered: • The need for hearing protectors; • Defining hearing protector areas; • Selection of hearing protectors; • The issuing of hearing protectors to individuals • Cleaning and maintenance of hearing protectors; • Training and education for people wearing hearing protectors. 5.5.3

The Need for Hearing Protectors

Every person in a designated hearing protector area must wear hearing protectors. This includes people working full or part time in those areas, and people passing through or spending very short amounts of time there. The removal of hearing protectors for even very brief periods of time can dramatically reduce their effectiveness. A person not wearing a hearing protector for as little as 30 minutes a day can reduce by a half the protection it is giving over the entire day. 5.5.4

Defining Hearing Protector Areas

When the noise levels exceed, or are likely to exceed, the allowable occupational noise exposure limits, the area must be designated as a hearing protector area. The areas or machinery concerned must be clearly labelled and the boundaries where the noise hazard exists must be clearly defined. Signs identifying a hearing protector area and the need to wear hearing protection should be put in place. The meaning of signs must be explained to employees as a part of their training. Where sign-posting is not practicable, alternative arrangements should be made in consultation with employees to ensure that they and other persons can recognise circumstances in which hearing protectors are required. Methods of achieving these include: • Attaching prominent warning notices to tools and equipment indicating that hearing protectors must be worn when operating them and where they may be obtained. • Providing written and oral instructions on how to recognise circumstances in which hearing protectors are needed. • Effective supervision of the specified high-noise areas. 5.5.5

Selection of Hearing Protectors

It is important to ensure that the hearing protectors selected provide adequate protection to the wearer. The preferred method is to base the selection of the appropriate hearing protection on the results of a survey using octave band analysis. Guidance on selection of the appropriate hearing protection can be obtained from an occupational/ industrial hygienist. 5.5.6

Issuing of Hearing Protectors

Provided that adequate protection is given, it is preferable for the user to be allowed a personal choice from different models of protectors, to accommodate particular needs. Once chosen, employees should retain hearing protectors for their individual and exclusive use. Individual selection of hearing protectors should be based on: • The degree of protection required in the employees’ environment. • The suitability for use in the type of working environment and the job involved. For example, ear plugs are difficult to use hygienically in work that requires them to be inserted with dirty hands, and in such jobs ear muffs might be better. On the other Control Tier: 3

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• •

•

hand, ear muffs tend to be more uncomfortable in hot environments, or may make it difficult for the wearer to enter a confined space or to wear a helmet. The comfort, weight and clamp force of the protector. Any person is more likely to wear a comfortable hearing protector than an uncomfortable one. The fit to the user. Individual fitting of the wearer is necessary for optimum protection, and this should be checked while the user is wearing any other items that will normally be used and which might affect the performance of the protector. For example, spectacle wearers should be fitted with ear muffs while wearing their normal spectacles. Disposable plugs of comfortable material do not need individual fitting, but the ability of the material to conform to the user’s ear canal should be taken into account in selection. The safety of the wearer and fellow workers. For example, the suitability for use in conjunction with any other personal protective equipment that might be required, such as safety helmets or respiratory protective equipment; the wearing of hearing protectors should not mask warning sounds.

5.5.7

Cleaning and Maintenance of Hearing Protectors

Employers should ensure that hearing protectors worn by staff are clean and in a good state of repair. Users should be encouraged to clean reuseable plugs in soap and water at the end of each day. Wearers should clean the cushion on earmuffs periodically. Hearing protectors should be inspected for any damage that will make them uncomfortable, harm the wearer or make the device less effective in protecting hearing. Employers should make supplies of replacement cushions and other replaceable parts available so repairs can be made immediately where necessary. 5.5.8

Education and Training

Before hearing protectors are issued, the need for their use must be fully explained. Lead engineers at individual sites within each field area and employees must be given training in the selection, fitting, use, care and maintenance of appropriate hearing protectors and this instruction must be repeated at regular intervals. It is extremely important to point out the effect of removing hearing protectors when exposed to excessive noise. Supervisors should encourage the use of hearing protectors by explanation and personal example. 5.6

Hearing Conservation Programme

All applicants to jobs that are subject to the health conservation programme will be asked to complete a pre-employment health questionnaire, which contains questions concerning pre-existing hearing loss. 5.6.1

Audiometric testing

Ahmadi Hospital is responsible for arranging audiometric testing as below. 5.6.2

Baseline assessment

All applicants to jobs that are subject to the health conservation programme, will have an audiometric test as part of their health surveillance, which should take place within three months of their employment 5.6.3

Annual audiometric testing (AAT) group

Personnel assigned to jobs with area or equipment noise levels of 85 dB(A) (regardless of exposure duration) and above (e.g., operators, mechanics, first-line management, and process engineers) will be assigned to the AAT group. Personnel with 12 hour shifts and exposed to noise levels of 83 dB(A), respectively 10 hour shifts and noise of 84 dB(A) and above, will also be assigned to the AAT group. An exception will be made if either of the following can be demonstrated and documented:

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• •

Representative dose monitoring or calculations, based on time studies, show a dose of less than 50 percent, measured or estimated. The personnel are not exposed to noise levels of up to 90 or 94 dB(A) for longer than 2hours and 1 hour respectively, with no other exposure to noise levels above 80 dB(A) for the remainder of the shift.

5.6.4

Periodic audiometric testing (PAT) group

All personnel receive audiometric testing in connection with their physical examinations every three years (the PAT group). These periodic audiograms serve the following purposes: • Detect individuals especially susceptible to hearing loss caused by industrial noise • They serve as potential control data for epidemiological studies of the effectiveness of a hearing conservation program. • They serve as a wellness/prevention checkpoint around hearing and all noise exposures. Non-work related noise exposure should also be documented. 5.6.5

Frequency of audiometric testing

For personnel in the annual audiometric testing (AAT) group, audiometric tests must be conducted according to the following schedule: • Immediately before initial assignment to an area or job with noise levels at or above those defined in Section 5.3.1 (the pre-placement or initial test) • Annually thereafter • Additional testing should be conducted at the following intervals: • Before and after military service • Three to six months after initial assignment to a noisy area • Three to six months after confirming a standard threshold shift (in addition to the annual test). • At the direction of the supervising medical professional whenever severe or unexplained hearing loss is observed • On termination of employment if there has been no audiogram performed in the last six months For personnel in the periodic audiometric testing (PAT) group, the audiometric tests must be conducted at the following intervals: • Immediately before assignment to an area or job in which hearing protection is occasionally used (pre-placement or baseline) • Every two years thereafter Additional testing should be offered and/or conducted at the discretion of medical professionals whenever severe or unexplained hearing loss is observed. 5.6.6

Reporting of occupational hearing loss

All confirmed work-related standard threshold shifts are reportable occupational hearing loss cases and must be reported and investigated in accordance with KOC procedures (KOC.GE.007 HSE Incident Reporting Procedure and KOC.GE.008 HSE Incident Investigation and Corrective Action Procedure). Other causes of occupational hearing loss from acute exposures, which may or may not be accompanied by an standard threshold shift (e.g., loss that is secondary to baro-trauma or acoustic trauma), must also be reported and investigated in accordance with KOC procedures (GE.KOC.007 HSE Incident Reporting Procedure and GE.KOC.008 HSE Incident Investigation and Corrective Action Procedure). Ahmadi Hospital should report any occurrence of abnormal audiometric test results to the appropriate Controlling Team and their respective HSE Team.

Control Tier: 3

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5.7

Documentation

Record keeping is to be documented according to the KOC.GE.045 HSE Records Management Procedure and Ahmadi Hospital record keeping procedures. Noise level Surveys must be kept for 40 years if they are being used to estimate personnel noise exposure. Noise dosimetry constitutes exposure records and must be retained permanently. If valid noise dosimetry data on certain jobs/tasks is available, then noise survey data (i.e., general records) must be kept for only three years on these jobs/tasks. Where possible, records should be maintained on means other than paper. 5.7.1

Audit requirements

Noise exposure and control is to be audited as per KOC.GE.016 HSE Audit, Inspection and Self-Assessment Procedure.

6.0 Key Documents/Tools/References - KOC-L-030 KOC Standard for Plant and Equipment Noise Control - KOC-L-010 Part 1 KOC Standard for Personal Protective Equipment (Ear, Eyes, Hand, and Head Protection) - Environment Public Authority Decision No. 210/2001 Pertaining to the Executive ByLaw of the Law of Environment Public Authority. - BS 4142: 1990 Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas. - BS 5969: 1981 (IEC 651: 1979) - Specification for sound level meters - BS 6402: 1994 (IEC 1252: 1993) - Personal sound exposure meters - BS 6698: 1986 (IEC 804: 1985) - Integrating–averaging sound meters - BS 7580: 1992 (IEC 645–1: 1992) - Specification for the verification of sound level meters - ANSI S1.4 – 1983 - Specification for sound level meters - ANSI S1.25 – 1991 - Specification for personal dosimeters - Most of BS 4142: 1990 is relevant to any outdoor measurement. - IEC 60268–10 (2nd edition): 1991/BS 6840: Part 10: 1991 Sound System Equipment Part 10: Methods for specifying and measuring the characteristics of peak programme level meters (Definitive information on PPMs – Type 1 (DIN) and Type 2a/b (UK/EBU).) - IEC 60268–17: 1990/BS 6840: Part 17: 1991 Sound System Equipment, Part 17: Methods for specifying and measuring - the characteristics of standard volume indicators (Replaces ANSI/ASA C16.5:1954 – original VU meter specification.) - IEC 60268–18 (1st edition): 1995/BS 6840: Part 18: 1996 - Sound System Equipment, Part 18: Peak programme level meters: Guide - for digital audio level meter ITU/R Report BS 292 (was CCIR 292–2) Use of IEC type 1 PPM

7.0 Abbreviations • • •

HSE – Health, Safety & Environment HSEMS – HSE Management System KOC – Kuwait Oil Company

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Revision Log Review/ Revision Date March 09, 2009

Document Approver Manager HSE

Document Author TL H&E

May 28, 2009

Manager HSE

TL H&E

Control Tier: 3

Review/Revision Details Draft for HSEMS Implementation Committee review Comments incorporated, approved and issued for implementation by HSEMS Implementation Committee

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APPENDIX (1): (KEPA Appendix No. 4-1) Allowable Noise Limits at Work Environment Time (T)

Time (T)

Exposure

Exposure

level

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

level

Hours

Minutes

Seconds

L, (dBA) 80

25

24

-

L, (dBA) 106

-

3

45

81

20

10

-

107

-

2

59

82

16

-

-

108

-

2

22

83

12

42

-

109

-

1

53

84

10

5

-

110

-

1

29

85

8

-

-

111

-

1

11

86

6

21

-

112

-

-

56

87

5

2

-

113

-

-

45

88

4

-

-

114

-

-

35

89

3

10

-

115

-

-

28

90

2

31

-

116

-

-

22

91

2

-

-

117

-

-

18

92

1

35

-

118

-

-

14

93

1

16

-

119

-

-

11

94

1

-

-

120

-

-

9

95

-

47

37

121

-

-

7

96

-

37

48

122

-

-

6

97

-

30

-

123

-

-

4

98

-

23

49

124

-

-

3

99

-

18

59

125

-

-

3

100

-

15

-

126

-

-

2

101

-

11

54

127

-

-

1

102

-

9

27

128

-

-

1

103

-

7

30

129

-

-

1

104

-

5

57

130-140

-

-