Introduction

In today's dynamic workplace, ensuring the health and safety of employees is not just a legal requirement but a core business value. Industrial hygiene and audiometry are two critical disciplines that form the cornerstone of a proactive health and safety program. This training course is meticulously designed to provide you with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to identify, evaluate, and control environmental stressors that can lead to occupational illnesses and injuries. By mastering these principles, you will be equipped to protect your workforce from a wide range of hazards, fostering a healthier and more productive environment.

This program goes beyond theory to provide hands-on experience in the crucial area of hearing conservation. A key focus is the use and interpretation of the audiometric machine, which is the primary tool for monitoring employee hearing health. You will learn how to operate the equipment accurately, conduct proper audiometric testing, and most importantly, interpret the results to detect shifts in hearing thresholds. This practical knowledge will enable you to manage hearing conservation programs effectively and ensure compliance with regulatory standards, solidifying your role as a vital contributor to your organization's wellness initiatives.

Duration

10 days

Target Audience

• Health and Safety Officers
• Industrial Hygienists and Technicians
• Occupational Health Nurses
• Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Managers
• Human Resources Professionals
• Anyone responsible for implementing or managing workplace health programs

Objectives

• understand the fundamental principles of industrial hygiene and its importance in the workplace
• identify common occupational hazards including noise, chemicals, and biological agents
• develop the skills to measure and monitor environmental stressors
• master the operational use and interpretation of the audiometric machine
• create and manage a comprehensive hearing conservation program
• apply control measures to mitigate workplace hazards
• interpret audiograms to determine if a significant hearing change has occurred
• ensure regulatory compliance with international health and safety standards

Course Modules

Module 1: Introduction to Industrial Hygiene

• the definition and scope of industrial hygiene
• the anticipate, recognize, evaluate, and control (AREC) framework
• the role of the industrial hygienist in a modern organization
• key ethical considerations in occupational health
• an overview of common workplace hazards

Module 2: The Physics of Noise

• understanding sound and its properties, including frequency and amplitude
• decibel scales and their application in noise measurement
• the concepts of A-weighted, C-weighted, and Z-weighted decibels
• noise exposure limits and dose calculation
• the physiological effects of noise on the human ear

Module 3: Noise Monitoring Techniques

• an introduction to noise monitoring equipment like sound level meters and noise dosimeters
• conducting area noise surveys and personal noise dosimetry
• the importance of calibration and proper equipment handling
• interpreting noise monitoring reports and data
• practical exercises in using noise measurement tools

Module 4: Noise Control Strategies

• applying the hierarchy of controls for noise abatement
• engineering controls: modifying the source, path, or receiver of noise
• administrative controls: managing work schedules and employee rotation
• understanding noise reduction ratings (NRR) for hearing protection
• developing a strategy for a quiet work environment

Module 5: Personal Hearing Protection

• types of personal hearing protection devices (HPDs)
• proper selection and fitting of earplugs and earmuffs
• the importance of training and education on HPD use
• factors that affect the effectiveness of hearing protection
• strategies for encouraging consistent use of HPDs

Module 6: Foundations of Audiometry

• the basic anatomy and function of the human ear
• the purpose of audiometric testing in a hearing conservation program
• understanding the difference between air conduction and bone conduction
• the concept of threshold shifts and significant threshold shifts
• preparing the employee for an audiometric test

Module 7: The Audiometric Machine: Use & Operation

• an overview of the components of a clinical audiometer
• setting up and calibrating the audiometric equipment
• conducting an audiometric test step-by-step
• troubleshooting common issues with the machine and test
• performing a biological check of the audiometer

Module 8: The Audiogram: Interpretation & Analysis

• reading and understanding a standard audiogram chart
• identifying common hearing loss patterns
• determining if a standard threshold shift has occurred
• the difference between conductive, sensorineural, and mixed hearing loss
• providing counseling and follow-up based on audiogram results

Module 9: Hearing Conservation Programs (HCPs)

• the essential components of a compliant hearing conservation program
• the role of management and employee buy-in in the program's success
• establishing a baseline audiogram for all employees
• the protocol for annual audiograms and follow-up actions
• documentation and recordkeeping for the HCP

Module 10: Legal and Regulatory Framework

• understanding the key regulations governing occupational noise exposure
• the responsibilities of employers and employees under the law
• the importance of maintaining accurate records
• the process of conducting a regulatory inspection
• best practices for staying up-to-date with changing regulations

Module 11: Chemical Exposure and Monitoring

• an introduction to common chemical hazards in the workplace
• routes of chemical entry into the body
• interpreting Safety Data Sheets (SDSs)
• air sampling and other methods for monitoring chemical exposure
• developing control strategies for chemical risks

Module 12: Respiratory Protection Programs

• the need for respiratory protection in dusty or contaminated environments
• types of respirators and their appropriate uses
• the importance of fit testing for respirators
• maintenance, care, and storage of respiratory equipment
• the essential elements of a successful respiratory protection program

Module 13: Workplace Ergonomics

• understanding musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
• identifying ergonomic risk factors in the workplace
• conducting an ergonomic risk assessment
• implementing controls to reduce ergonomic hazards
• the importance of worker training on proper posture and lifting techniques

Module 14: Biological Hazards

• types of biological hazards including viruses, bacteria, and fungi
• understanding routes of exposure and transmission
• implementing universal precautions and other control measures
• managing biohazard waste safely
• creating a plan for responding to biological incidents

Module 15: Introduction to Ventilation

• the principles of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) and general ventilation
• the components of a LEV system
• assessing the effectiveness of ventilation systems
• the role of ventilation in controlling airborne contaminants
• understanding air quality standards

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 5 working days before commencement of the training.