Hearing protection at work
Hearing protection for your workers is extremely important. There is anecdotal evidence that noise induced hearing loss is fast becoming the new claim of the ambulance chasers. So how can we ensure that our workers are protected?
Simply put, we must first control the level of noise in the workplace. Secondly, where we cannot reduce the level we must provide suitable protection that reduces the noise at the point where noise can do the most damage… the ears!
So what are we allowed to be exposed to?
To keep it simple there is a lower limit value of 80dB at which point the employer has to provide protection. At 85dB the employer has to try and reduce the noise and enforce protection. So it is in the interest of the employer to aim to keep the noise down to as close, if not below the 80dB mark.
Easier said than done, how can we do it then? You can look at physical measures, such as acoustic barriers, fitting machines with acoustic sound proofing, enclosing noisy machines, spreading machines out throughout the workshop to reduce noise in one place, improve machinery to a less noisy model.
But then there is the financial implication of all such measures, what’s the first stage? That’s a good point and one I’m sure many organisations face. So the first thing is to recognise a noise issue. A basic calculation would state that if you stand within 2m of a colleague and have to raise your voice above normal conversation level, then you have an issue. This is clearly not a qualitative test, but can give basic guidance. In order to discover a problem, you should have an independent noise survey carried out.
Aren’t these expensive? You pay for what you get, but ultimately, you are potentially facing a heavy prosecution for failing to put measures in place. You have a responsibility to everyone in your workplace and protecting from noise damage is an extension of that duty.
I’ve heard that if you wear headphones, it can drown out the noise of machinery?
It may disguise the noise, but it is adding to the level of noise at the ear. In order to fully protect the employee, you must provide suitable hearing protection.
What do you suggest? Manufacturers have the best knowledge on this, but you have a choice between three types; 1) ear muffs – that fully enclose the ear behind a barrier protection, 2) ear plugs – that fit inside the ear and offer protection, 3) moulded ear plugs which are specific to the person and offer a better form of protection than plugs. You must ensure that your employee knows how to fit their hearing protection and that it is working correctly.
How am I meant to do that? As mentioned, the manufacturer or specialists can provide suitable fit testing, which is a process that teaches how to use and wear the protection. Secondly, health surveillance testing will ensure that any damage is recognised early and extra precautions can be added for individuals to be better protected.
So what are the comparisons of the three types of protection?
Ear muffs – provide an overall protection for the ear by use of a sound absorbent material inside the cup. They can be used multiple times, but require regular checking, cleaning and changing if they are damaged in anyway.
Ear plugs – a hygienic alternative to the moulded ear plug as they are disposable after each wear. Training is required to ensure they are inserted into the ear canal properly. They must not be inserted if hands are dirty as this can cause infections. They offer good protection, but there is still a chance that noise energy can penetrate the ear drum as the plugs may not offer a complete seal.
Moulded ear plugs – usually made of rubber or plastic where the individual will have had to have them fitted properly. In the short term they offer good protection as they are moulded specifically. They are less hygienic than the other two alternatives and it is known that as our ears never stop growing, their efficiency will be reduced over time and therefore the wearer will require new ones every so often.
We are almost at the maximum of noise protection measures for our ears as noise energy can still penetrate our body through other means. Military personnel use ear protection, head protection and body armour as a means to protect against noise induced hearing loss. I’m not saying we have to go that far, but we certainly have to consider the damage that excessive noise can cause us in the long term.
Offering the best form of protection is in our interest. So my advice is to speak with suppliers and manufacturers about the best form of protection, invest a little in surveys and equipment to ensure that your workers are protected from the damage that noise can produce. Short term gain, long term aim!
For more information regarding health & safety at work please contact us. Alternatively why not take a Health and Safety Health Check which has been designed to help you identify the areas where your business may need assistance.
