Hearing Safety Hearing Safety Company Harlan McPhee North McPhee South Powerhawke Ravex Richards Company Using the Form Job Name * Job Name and/or Number Date * Hearing Safety Jackhammers, heavy equipment operations, threading machines and generators are just a few examples of the noises that we are exposed to as we do their jobs each day. While noise may not seem as dangerous as other hazards present on construction and demolition sites, it can have a tremendous impact on worker safety and health. Noise, often defined as unwanted sound, can have different effects: • Interference with communication, job performance and your safety • Disrupts concentration, and can startle, annoy, and have other effects • Cause long-term effects such as hearing loss. Noise can cause pain, ringing in the ears, and even nausea if exposure level is severe. Hearing Protection Ideally, it’s best to engineer out the noise exposure; however, this may not always be feasible. In situations where it is not feasible, hearing protection can be used to reduce noise levels. Hearing protection can be provided as ear plugs or earmuffs. When do you Need Hearing Protection? • When you are exposed to noise that is 85 dB(a) or greater averaged over 8 hours. Noise at and above this level is associated with situations where conversations must be held in a very loud voice, or by shouting into the ear of a person • Hearing noise and ringing in the ears at the end of a shift, or if speech or music sounds muffled after completing a shift, but sound fairly clear at the beginning of the next shift indicates exposure to noise level where the wearing of hearing protection would be needed. If any of these conditions exist, a qualified person should measure the noise level at various work areas with a sound level meter. Wearing Hearing Protection • Wearing good hearing protection is an important precaution to protect the ears from high levels of noise exposure. Some tips for ensuring effective hearing protection are: • For earmuffs, ensure that a good seal exists between the surface of the skin and the surface of the ear protector- a very small leak can greatly reduce the effectiveness of the protection • Ear protectors have a tendency to loosen as a result of talking, chewing, etc., and they must be reseated from time to time during the workday • Inspect hearing protectors regularly and replace when necessary • Maintain and clean your ear protectors. The insert type protectors are meant to be single use and should be disposed of at the end of the shift. • Most of the available ear protectors, when correctly fitted, provide about the same amount of protection (plugs or muffs) • The best hearing protector, therefore, is the one that you can wear properly. Wearing “over the ear” or “mickey mouse” type protection can be a more effective hearing protector because it does not have the potential fit issues associated with the insertable foam hearing protectors. Resistance to Wearing Hearing Protection Of all the forms of personal protective equipment that are required in work environments, hearing protection is the most commonly resisted. One of the main reasons given for not wearing hearing protection is they don't think they really need it. Hearing loss occurs gradually, and when hearing loss is finally recognized, irreversible damage has already been done. Hearing protection is also reported to be uncomfortable, and therefore not worn. With the many forms of hearing protection available, it is possible, and important, to choose one that offers the most protection, and the highest level of comfort to preserve your hearing well into old age! Contact the safety department if you have concerns about the noise level on your project or need hearing protection supplies. Additional Comments Trainer Name * Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Toolbox Talk Attendee Attended By (Required) Picture Upload Drop a file here or click to upload Choose File Maximum upload size: 52.43MB reCAPTCHA If you are human, leave this field blank. Submit Δ
