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Health hazard evaluation report: HETA-89-0026-2495, Hamilton Fire Department, Hamilton, Ohio.

Authors
Tubbs RL
Source
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HETA 89-0026-2495, 1995 Mar; :1-44
Link
https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/1989-0026-2495.pdf
NIOSHTIC No.
00227191
Abstract
In response to a request from the Deputy Chief for Operations and Administration, an investigation was begun into possible hazardous noise exposures conditions faced by members of the Hamilton Fire Department (SIC-9224), Hamilton, Ohio during their work activities. Six fire stations were maintained throughout the city, manned by approximately 100 fire fighters. Noise surveys were conducted which indicated that the 24 hour cumulative noise doses were generally less than the amount allowed under any of the environmental evaluation criteria used by NIOSH. However, portions of the analyses indicated that there were noise levels that greatly exceeded the exposure limits for brief periods of time. These were usually associated with emergency response runs of the fire vehicles. Analysis of the audiometric data collected for 90 of the firemen indicated a decline in hearing ability in the high frequency sound region, characteristic of noise induced hearing loss. The author concludes that a health hazard existed for fire fighters. The author recommends that measures be taken to reduce the noise exposure to the fire fighters and help prevent any further loss of hearing.
Keywords
NIOSH-Author; NIOSH-Health-Hazard-Evaluation; NIOSH-Technical-Assistance-Report; HETA-89-0026-2495; Region-5; Hazard-Confirmed; Noise-induced-hearing-loss; Firemen; Noise-exposure; Hearing-disorders; Author Keywords: Fire departments, including volunteer; noise exposure; noise dosimetry; fire apparatus noise; hearing loss; hearing conservation
Publication Date
19950301
Document Type
Field Studies; Hazard Evaluation and Technical Assistance
Fiscal Year
1995
NTIS Accession No.
PB95-242566
NTIS Price
A04
Identifying No.
HETA-89-0026-2495
NIOSH Division
DSHEFS
SIC Code
9224
Source Name
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
State
OH
Page last reviewed: September 2, 2020
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Education and Information Division