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3_3 Noise Hazards Type(s)/Source: • Heavy equipment Qualified Exposure Risk: High Primary"Control": Personal Protective Equipment(Wear ear plugs) Hazard: Exposure to high levels of noise, both chronic and acute, can lead to different types of reactions. Acute (impulse) noise, such as noise associated with heavy equipment operation, jack hammers, drilling activities, and work performed in proximity to aircraft or moving traffic, can afflict a worker with a temporary loss of hearing at certain frequencies associated with the equipment being used. However, chronic exposure to this noise may eventually cause the hearing acuteness to be permanently and irreversibly changed. The change may be subtle and occur over a period of time. Permanent noise-induced hearing loss is attributed to the intensity and frequency distribution of the noise, the time pattern and duration of exposure, and individual susceptibility. Sound levels (noise) are measured in dBAs. The Threshold Limit Values (TLV) for noise exposure is 85 dBA for an 8-hour duration and 90 dBA for a 4-hour duration. It is not expected that the noise level generated during most fieldwork will exceed the TLV. Control (s): Ordinarily, acute hearing loss is reversible when you remove yourself from the exposure. After a short period of time (less than a day), the hearing generally returns to normal. Earplugs should be available on-site for hearing protection. If you feel it is necessary to shout to be heard, then hearing protection such as earplugs or ear muffs or muffled equipment must be used. 3.4 Biological Hazards Type(s)/Source: • Poisonous plants/animals. Qualified Exposure Risk: Moderate Primary"Control": Isolation. (Maintain awareness of surroundings.) 3.4.1 Poisonous Plants,Insects, and Animals Hazard: Contact with plants, insects, and animals likely to be present at the site should be avoided. Plants (such as poison oak or ivy) can cause an allergic reaction and skin rash in some individuals. Stinging and biting insects, including bees, spiders, and ticks, can cause extreme discomfort and/or Project No.S8475-06-70 -11- April 25,2003