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Ear Protection

Many industrial environments can be exceptionally noisy, which makes it necessary to provide workers with hearing protection. Failure to adequately protect the ears can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss and other hearing related conditions, including tinnitus.

There are different types of protection available, including ear muffs and ear plugs, depending on the level of noise exposure and the other types of protective equipment that are necessary, such as hard hats. To ensure your workers are using the correct products, it’s vital to have an excellent understanding of the noise that is present, and how this can be managed. For more information see our guide to ear protection products.

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Noise can be present in a working environment due to several factors, and the magnitude and length that it is ongoing will influence the type of protection that is required. It’s first necessary to assess the risk factors that can be present in a noisy environment to see if some form of hearing protection should be provided.

A noisy workplace is one where the level is intrusive and you would need to raise your voice to have a conversation from about two metres away. Safety protection will also be required for users operating noisy machinery or power tools for at least half an hour each day.

Other factors that can cause raised levels of noise are impact machinery, such as pneumatic or hammering tools, and sources of explosions. If your workers find they suffer from muffled hearing when they finish their shift, hearing protection should be being worn.

Best practice for hearing protection



When choosing the right type and level of ear protection, it’s important to follow best practice guidelines. This will ensure that you’re masking the right level of noise and that the products are safe for the environment.

The ear protection needs to take the noise level to under 85 decibels by the ear, but it shouldn’t be under 70 decibels. The protective equipment should be targeted at the specific noisy areas and tasks and needs to be appropriate for the environment.

You also need to factor in the other types of personal protective equipment (PPE) that will be used, such as respirators and hard hats, and consider comfort and hygiene for the workers. Hearing protection needs to be provided in a range of specifications so that employees can choose those that fit them best.

It’s essential when using hearing protection not to block out too much of the noise, as this could be another risk factor. Don’t use hearing safety products across the whole site - just focus it on the areas where it’s most needed.

Choosing hearing protection



Before you purchase any type of Personal Protective Equipment, whether it’s hearing protection or clothing, you need to carry out a risk assessment or examine an existing one. This will identify the risk factors and how they can be reduced without the need for protective equipment, such as the installation of new, quieter machinery or limiting a worker’s exposure.

You will also need to measure how long an employee is exposed for and the level of noise present to decide on the most suitable type of protection.

Types of hearing protection



There are two main forms of ear protection: ear plugs and ear muffs.

Ear muffs give protection to workers from excessive noise levels by absorbing the sound waves through increasing the air resistance, which limits the wave amplitude and reduces the degree of noise.

They are typically worn on a head band and can be used alongside hard hats. It’s also possible to combine ear muffs with two-way communication or radio systems, and they can be used in conjunction with earplugs for additional protection.

Earplugs protect workers from loud noises, as well as preventing dust, water, excessive wind or foreign bodies from entering the ear. As they are placed directly into the ear canal, they give a higher level of protection than ear muffs, and their size makes them easier to use with other PPE, such as head protection and safety goggles.

Reducing noise levels



Ear protection should only be used after other means of reducing excessive noise have been implemented. This ensures that the noise is kept as low as possible to limit any damage caused, and protective equipment is then only used to mask what’s left.

For instance, consider if the task can be achieved in a quieter way, using different processes or equipment. Make it a company policy to invest in low-noise equipment, and put in place engineering controls to limit how much noise is produced.

It’s also possible to block out some of the noise that is transmitted into the workplace by using screens, barriers and enclosures around the equipment. Sources of noise can be kept further away from workers, and the installation of absorptive materials, such as mineral wood or open cell form, can help to reduce noise.

Where it’s still necessary to be in a loud environment, limit the number of people exposed by keeping the machinery away from main areas, and reduce the amount of time that the equipment used.

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