EAR & EYE PROTECTION
at Work Regulations require them to assess the risks to employees from noise at work and take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks.
Ideally, the source of the noise should be eliminated completely. If that is not possible, employers should investigate whether the noisy process can be undertaken in a different, quieter way. If it can’t, it may be possible to limit the transmission of noise through measures such as dampening vibrating panels, fitting silencers to exhausts, acoustically screening or enclosing noisy components, or providing noise havens at workstations. Employers should also implement administrative controls including buying or hiring low- noise equipment as policy and ensuring the equipment is properly maintained.
If these measures are insufficient, hearing protection is required. Employees should receive hearing protection if noise exposure is above the lower action level of 80dB average or 135dB peak. Noise levels above 85dB average or 137dB peak represent the upper action level and require action to reduce noise exposure with a planned programme of noise control. The exposure limit values, meanwhile, are 87dB average and 140dB peak and must not be exceeded.
“IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AROUND 11,000 WORKERS IN BRITAIN HAD WORK-RELATED HEARING PROBLEMS IN THE PERIOD FROM 2020/21 TO 2022/23.”
All employees and visitors who are required to enter noisy areas should receive suitable hearing protection along with instructions and training to ensure it is worn correctly. It should be worn at all times in the noisy area. Removing protection for just five minutes when faced with an hour of noise will reduce the protection achieved by more than half.
SELECTING SAFE PRODUCTS It is important to ensure that the hearing protection provided is suitable for the user and their work activities, and that they can use it comfortably with any other required PPE or equipment.
Hearing protectors receive a Single Number Rating (SNR) based on the level of noise reduction they provide when fitted correctly. Choosing the correct product for the level and duration of the noise hazard is important. This will not usually be the highest level available. Users will find it uncomfortable and isolating if they use too high a level of protection – and they will be more likely to remove it.
PPE buyers should also take care to only buy products that perform as advertised. All hearing protection must have UKCA or CE marks and comply with all relevant PPE regulations. However, British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) investigation has revealed that hearing protection on the UK market from non-BSIF
x.com/TomorrowsHS 25
Registered Safety Suppliers frequently shows failures against product claims and/or documentation.
REGISTERED SAFETY SUPPLIER SCHEME We work hard to eliminate unsafe PPE from the market. Our Registered Safety Supplier Scheme (RSSS) was set up with the aim of tackling the threat posed by non- compliant and potentially unsafe products The RSSS was created to provide assurance to users that only compliant and correctly performing products are being supplied through a capable, educated, competent supply chain.
“EMPLOYEES SHOULD RECEIVE HEARING PROTECTION IF NOISE EXPOSURE IS ABOVE THE LOWER ACTION LEVEL OF 80DB AVERAGE OR 135DB PEAK.”
We carry out tests on member products as well as non-member products. Annually, or in the event of a complaint, we will source on the open market one product from a registered member’s PPE or relevant related product offering. An accredited test laboratory will test the product to one or more clauses of the relevant standard. In the event of a product fail, the BSIF will contact the member to begin corrective measures – or ensure the product is withdrawn from the open market if required. Any member that refuses corrective action and communication can be removed from the RSSS and Trading Standards will be informed.
Buyers can be assured that any vendor displaying the RSSS shield has signed a binding declaration that the PPE and safety equipment they offer meets the correct standards, fully complies with the regulations, and is appropriately UKCA and or CE marked.
Harmful noise is too big a risk to take chances. Where PPE is required, UK buyers and specifiers of PPE should always look for the RSSS shield so they can be confident that products will deliver the protection that users require.
https://www.bsif.co.uk/rsss
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42
