Health & safety bulletin
Hearing protection
16th November 2007
Noise is an everyday part of our lives, we rely on it, it is our primary means of communication, it is a form of entertainment, it is a means of raising an alarm, it is a sense with which we detect danger, but sometimes is it just an unwanted, unpleasant disturbance.
You perceive all these noises by your sense of hearing, you should protect your sense of hearing in order to be able to maintain your ability to perceive the wanted noises – imagine not being able to hear what your child or partner is saying to you, not being able to hear music or the television – not a nice thought.
The work that we carry out sometimes requires us to use noisy machinery, generators, drills, jigsaws, and hydraulic breakers. All these tools can be loud enough to damage our hearing.
A typical generator produces up to 85dB, prolonged exposure to this level of noise will permanently damage your hearing. (Note: noise levels are normally given at 1m from the item, however generator manufactures commonly quote noise levels at 7m from the generator and therefore the levels quoted are lower.)
A BOSCH SDS battery powered hammer drill has a typical noise level of 91dB (with a typical peak noise level of 104dB). A Hilti light duty battery drill is 85dB.
Hearing damage is a gradual process; at first you will probably not notice any difference. Slowly you may notice that you have trouble using the telephone, your family may complain you have the television on too loud, or you may have ringing in the ears (tinnitus) – these are the early signs of hearing damage.
In order to prevent damage to your hearing, always assess the area you are working in, and the equipment you are going to use, to check if the noise level is or will be high. If you have trouble hearing somebody talking two meters away, the noise level is too high. You are required by law to wear hearing protection if the noise level is above 85dB. If you believe the noise level on any site you are working on, or any equipment you are working with is high, then contact your supervisor immediately.
If possible, always try to reduce the noise level at source before resorting to personal hearing protection.
Can the work be done at a time where the noise level is lower?
Can the work be done away from the noisy area?
Can the noise level be reduced (switch off the noisy machine / close doors)?
Can you use a tool / item of plant that is quieter?
Where noise levels cannot be reduced, then hearing protection must be worn. If you have not got ear defenders, contact your supervisor.
Ear defenders must be suitable for the task and be able to be worn with all the other PPE that you wear. This may be a particular problem if you wear glasses, or spectacle type eye protection, in this case earplugs or goggles may be more suitable. Make sure ear defenders completely cover your ears, fit tightly, and that there are no gaps around the seals. Try and keep the seals and the insides clean. Don’t stretch the headband too much – make sure it keeps its tension.
If noise levels are exceptionally high, it may be necessary to wear double protection (ear plugs and ear defenders).
If you suspect that your hearing is damaged, see your doctor and notify your manager immediately – do not wait until it is too late!