Have you Heard?

In the UK alone, an estimated 20,000 people suffer from work-related hearing problems, both new and longstanding, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)1. 

For these reasons, employers have a duty to protect their workers from exposure to hazardous noise. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require them to eliminate or reduce such risks.

However, with such a variety of hearing protection equipment (HPE) available, it can be difficult to know which to choose. Furthermore, hearing protection is about more than simply matching the protection level to the hazard.

To help employers, as well as self-employed individuals, 3M has devised a simple four-step approach to protecting workers against hazardous noise, involving detection, protection, training and validation.

A “rule of ear”

A loud noise means different things to different people. Some may think of a short sharp explosive noise. Others may think of something continuous like a machine running.  Both are valid, and both can cause hearing loss.

In fact, HPE is required in the workplace if continuous noise levels are above 85dBA. So, as well as obvious noise sources like a jet taking off, even a power drill or generator can be classed as loud noise. A useful “rule of ear” is that if you have to shout to be heard from a distance of 1 metre, noise is probably above safe levels and hearing protection is required. 

If an initial assessment suggests there is a problem, accurate, professional noise measurements will be needed, to help inform the choice of noise control methods. 

Prevention v Protection

Just like any other workplace hazard, the best way to deal with noise is to prevent it. Is it possible to control the noise at source, by installing soundproofing for example? Protection should only be the last resort.

If prevention isn’t possible, or doesn’t reduce the noise level far enough, then it’s time to choose HPE that’s right for the wearer, the task and the environment. First instincts might be to choose the highest level of protection, but if that makes it impossible for the wearer to communicate, or to hear alarms and other important sounds (an approaching forklift truck, for example) then the solution can be as dangerous as the problem. 

Unsuitable or uncomfortable HPE is also less likely to be worn or worn properly, and more likely to be removed for conversation – allowing exposure to the noise hazard. So, it’s important to consider environmental factors when selecting HPE, and to make the selection process collaborative with the wearer. 

Sound advice

Using HPE properly and effectively is not as simple as just putting on ear defenders or putting in earplugs. 

Left to their own devices, many employees will wear HPE only when they feel like it or remember. Which may not be every time it’s required. It’s important they are trained in the importance of when, where and how to wear the protective equipment provided, and – if necessary – how to adjust, maintain and store it.  

One size fits all?

The manufacturer’s rating for noise reduction (known as attenuation) can only be a guide to the level of hearing protection it provides. That’s because all users are different, and may wear the equipment differently. 

Large or small ears, for example, will make a difference to the fit and effectiveness of ear defenders, and wide or narrow ear canals will affect the fit of ear plugs. 

3M offer fit-testing equipment (the E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System) which measures the level of protection each wearer gains from any HPE. They can then be better matched with the right equipment and ensure it fits properly.

Protected meets connected

It’s clear that noise reduction is needed in many work environments, but so is being able to hear colleagues, alarms and other sounds – without removing the HPE. 

The 3M™ PELTOR™ Wireless Communication Accessory solves the problem, Combining Bluetooth® wireless technology with a noise-cancelling microphone and one-button operation, it instantly converts existing 3M™ PELTOR™ X Series Earmuffs into a wireless communications device. Alternatively, the 3M™ PELTOR™ WS™ Alert™ XP HEADSET incorporates the same features, plus an integrated FM-radio. 

If you like the sound of them, contact your usual ERIKS Service Centre to find out more.