select protectors which are suitable for the working environment – consider how comfortable and hygienic they are.
target the use of protectors to the noisy tasks and jobs in a working day.
make sure the protectors provided give enough protection – aim at least to get below 85 dB(A) at the ear, but don’t provide excessive protection as protectors which cut out too much noise can cause isolation or lead to an unwillingness to wear them.
If, after taking these measures, hearing protection is still required: Hearing protection should only be used when extra protection is needed after using noise control techniques (such as elimination of noisy tasks, substituting quieter processes, removing people from noisy areas and selection of quiet equipment). It is not acceptable to rely on hearing protection alone to control noise exposure. Workers have a duty to make use of any noise-control measures provided.Ĭan you rely on hearing protection alone when carrying out noisy work? Make sure that workers have appropriate information, instruction and training, and supervision.
Where your noise-control measures require actions from workers to be effective (eg making proper use of noise enclosures or following approved low-noise working methods), you should make sure workers do what is required.
Make sure there is proper and regular maintenance of machinery and equipment that takes account of noise.
Consider implementing improved working techniques to reduce noise levels.
Duration of exposure can be reduced by job rotation or providing a noise refuge (eg limit the time workers spend in noisy areas and/ or design and layout the workplace to create quiet workstations).
Where noise levels still exceed 85 decibels (dB) ensure workers wear hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs) within the designated and clearly marked zones.
ensuring good maintenance to stop rattles and prevent noise from wear.
lining the inside of hoppers with impact-deadening material.
lining guards/panels with noise dampening material.
Where enclosure is not possible, reduce noise by other engineering means such as:.
Anti-vibration machine mountings may also be required.
Where noisy machinery/plant has to remain in the working area, enclose it within a sound-insulating enclosure if possible (eg a screen or barrier).
Move noisy machinery or plant into areas where there are no workers, or few workers (eg into an outbuilding or dedicated room).
The noise levels should be relevant to where workers will actually be.
When purchasing machinery or plant, obtain noise data from the supplier to inform your decision.
Some practical examples of how you can control and reduce noise are: Protection is best achieved by controlling noise at the source. What is the best way to manage noise at your workplace?
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