EAR PROTECTION

EAR PROTECTION

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Each and every time you expose your ears to loud noise you are damaging them. Hearing loss is cumulative which means that even small amounts of damage will all add up in time to make you hard of hearing. Hearing loss tends to effect the speech frequencies first, so although you will still hear you will find it difficult to understand what words are being spoken, others may start to think of you as ignorant.

HAZARDS

• Loud noise will always affect the sensitivity of your hearing either immediately or in time permanently in time
• Loud noise from other workers activities is just as harmful
• Loud noise levels can mask warning sounds, instructions and warnings
• Loud noise causes fatigue, annoyance, and irritation and can affect concentration

HEALTH AND SAFETY POINTS

• The simplest protection from noise is to move further away from it or to move the noise away from you. If you are twice as far from the noise the noise the noise level goes down to a quarter.
• Shield yourself from the noise by using a screen, for example, put a compressor behind a wall.
• Do not work next to noisy plant or others using noisy plant unless you have to.
• If the plant or equipment you are using has loose guards or parts that further adds to the noise level then get it fixed as a priority to reduce the overall noise.
• Ask your supervisor if a sound suppresser can be fitted to the noise source.
• If the plant you are using is fitted with covers, doors or other barriers then make sure that they are kept in place all the time when the machine is in use.
• Mufflers on air tools, when correctly fitted, reduce overall noise levels, so make sure they are on.
• If the "Noise source" is not required then turn it off, do not leave plant running unnecessarily.
• If the noise levels cannot be lowered then hearing protection will have to be worn.
• If there is a warning sign in place showing that hearing protection is needed then you must obey it, even if it does not seem noisy at the time the noise may start suddenly.
• Ear muffs must be kept clean and in good condition, check the seals for holes or hardening, check the "spring" in the fixing head band or helmet attachment, the muffs must be a good fit to your head to work properly.
• Earplugs must be a good fit in your ear, hold them in place whilst they swell, make sure your hands are clean when you are fitting them and keep the plugs clean.
• Do not use cotton wool for ear protection, it will not protect your hearing like earplugs.
• If you have a problem with either your ears or hearing you must tell your supervisor.

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QUSTIONS

• What is the best way to protect yourself from noise?
• When should you use hearing protection?
• What must you do when fitting ear plugs?

SAFETY REMINDER

Use your hearing protectors and keep your hearing