Abstract

Approximately 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to hazardous workplace noise.  The industries with the highest prevalence of self-reported occupational HL were Mining (61%), Construction (51%) and Manufacturing (47%).  “Buy Quiet” is the most strategic way to reduce noise exposure.  However, there are other safety, health, and cost factors that significantly  influence a purchasing decision for equipment.  A more holistic approach is needed.  The safety requirements procurement standard (SAE AS6228) has extensive guidance for evaluating all the safety, health, and cost factors influencing a purchasing decision for equipment.  The factors are systematically incorporated into a five-year life cycle score. Unfortunately, this standard is underutilized. Publication of SAE AIR6916 and one-page guidance for each tool type will help to address the underutilization.  SAE AIR6916 provides simplified guidance for using the AS6228 standard.  One-page guidance documents with example evaluations of life cycle scores will make it easier for additional tools to be evaluated in a consistent and comparable manner.  Working with retailers and online shopping websites is needed to make the life-cycle score information more easily accessible and easy to use for making purchasing decisions. Additional efforts are aimed at making the life-cycle score methodology routinely utilized and adaptable to new applications.