EAR & EYE PROTECTION
canal entrance. If they are doing this, they need to know they may as well not be wearing any hearing protection at all.
Sometimes workers are tempted to replace their hearing protection with music earphones thinking they are still protected. This is not the case. Music earphones are no substitute for hearing protection and should not be worn to protect against exposure to industrial workplace noise.
Intermittent wearing is another key issue. To get the full benefit of their hearing protection your workers should wear their ear plugs or defenders 100% of the time whilst exposed to industrial noise. Removing their ear plugs or muffs even for a short time, substantially reduces protection.
Time hearing protection moved in one hour, with effect on hearing protection used:
Time Removed in 1 hour
1 minute
5 minutes 10 minutes 30 minutes 60 minutes
Maximum 25 dB Protection is reduced to (dB)
17
11 8 3 0
When it comes to hearing protection allowing box ticking is not good enough – it will not conserve your workers’ hearing.
A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING AROUND
COMFORT On average it can take a couple of weeks for a worker to get used to their hearing protection, but they need to know it’s well worth persevering for long term protection. Of course, having a custom-moulded ear plug inside your ear canal when you have never worn one before is going to feel a little different, but a two-week settling in period is nothing when it comes to conserving your hearing. As an employer it is important to make it very clear to your workers that this is the type of hearing protection you have chosen for them, because you care about protecting and conserving their hearing for the long-term and that you expect them to persevere through the comfort barrier and wear them consistently.
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A FEAR OF OVER-PROTECTION Of course your workers need to be able to protect
their ears from industrial noise whilst at the same time being able to communicate effectively with their co- workers and to hear warnings and alarms. Getting the level of protection right is a key consideration for any industrial employer.
A FEAR OF INFECTION Some people are fearful of putting things in or near
their ears for fear of infection. You need to take steps as an employer to help your workers avoid infection.
A LACK OF INSPECTION RECORD KEEPING Employers need to carry out regular inspections to
ensure their workers are adhering to their end of the bargain when it comes to using their hearing protection equipment. It is recommended the employer keeps track of which workers have been issued with what, in terms of hearing protection and how each employee is maintaining and cleaning their ear protection. It is good to have a record showing the results of inspections, to show how seriously individual employees are taking their hearing conservation.
YOU HAVE NO EFFECTIVE HEARING
CONSERVATION PROGRAMME IN PLACE If you’re going to invest in quality hearing protection for your workers you need to make sure it is taken seriously by everyone.
The best hearing protection results tend to be achieved when the employer takes the lead by putting a ‘Hearing Conservation Programme’ in place that involves:
• Carrying out adequate noise assessment of the entire working environment.
• Choosing the most appropriate hearing protection for the workplace and its workers.
• Delivering clear and effective employee training and education.
• Paying attention to hygiene and maintenance. • Carrying out regular inspection and record keeping.
• Communicating with employees about their hearing protection and involving them.
www.protecthear.co.uk/ 19
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