Title Page
-
Conducted on
-
Prepared by
-
Location
Noise
-
Introduction
Noise induced hearing loss is a common occupational health hazard. There is no satisfactory treatment for noise- induced hearing loss. Once you’re deaf, you stay deaf.
Why worry…?
• Noise can cause irreversible hearing damage and other conditions such as tinnitus (constant ringing, rumbling or whistling noise in ears). The impact on the quality of life of the people affected and on their families can be severe.
Hazards
• Compressors, breakers, circular saws, generators, angle grinders and power saws can all be harmful to your hearing.
• Even if you are not using the noisy piece of equipment, you could be affected by someone using it close by.
• Look out for noise hazard signs on site and obey them.
• Remember to protect your hearing out of work too: for example, in noisy clubs/ pubs or when using personal music players.
• A ringing in the ears after being exposed to noise is an early sign of hearing damage.
Controlling noise
• If you have to shout to be heard from one metre away, the noise level is high and you should be wearing ear protectors.
• Keep compressor covers closed when in use and ensure breaker mufflers are correctly fitted.
• Don’t leave equipment running unnecessarily and try not to expose others to your noise.
• If possible, move the noise source away from the work area or move the work area away from the noise.
• If possible, shield noisy processes; work behind sound- absorbing materials (such as spoil heaps).
Ear protection
• Generally, ear plugs or muff type hearing protectors will be issued.
• Ensure ear plugs are a good fit and are correctly inserted by following the pack instructions.
• Regularly clean reusable ear plugs.
• Use disposable ear plugs for one shift only.
• Hearing protectors should fit the head all round the seal.
• Adjust the head or neck band as necessary and wear it in the correct position.
• Ensuring hearing protector seals are in good condition; remove and wash them in soapy water regularly.
• Don’t alter the pressure of the cups on the ear by bending the headband.
• If you have difficulty in wearing hearing protectors, report it.
• Wear hearing protection at all times when exposed to a noise hazard (obey noise hazard warning signs on site as well as equipment). Follow the requirements for ear protection as detailed in risk assessments.
• Ensure hands are clean when handling all types of ear protection, and store ear protection in a clean environment.
• Report any damaged or lost ear protection immediately.
Questions/ notes
1. What sources of noise are you exposed to?
2. When should ear protection be worn?
3. What must you ensure when wearing ear defenders?
Name
-
Sign
