21
PRO INSTALLER AUGUST 2014
PRO NEWS
@proinstaller1
NOISE – ADVICE TO
LISTEN OUT FOR
Having worked in the building and home improvement trade for over
25 years, I have worked in a fair few extremely noisy environments!
Obviously, the majority of the time not much can be done to prevent
this noise but what is extremely important is that you, and your
employees, protect your hearing to the best of your ability.
Ears are extremely sensitive and can be damaged over a long period
of time if exposed to
loud noises. Unfortunately, most noise-related hearing loss
is irreversible which
makes taking good
care of your hearing is
especially important.
Thankfully, advances
in technology mean
that hearing protection
is more effective and
comfortable than ever
before.
The Control of Noise at
Work Regulations 2005
require the reduction of noise
exposure. Reducing noise
levels at source provides the
most effective way of protecting workers’ hearing as well
as providing numerous other
benefits to companies. Noise
can create stress, and can
be a safety hazard at work,
interfering with communication, acting as a distraction
and making warnings harder
to hear.
Before issuing hearing protection, it is a good idea to
identify the tasks where they
need to be worn and ensure
all staff receive adequate
training. Sometimes, certain
areas need to be designated
zones where hearing protection must be worn at all
times. Investing in good quality equipment is the best way
to protect hearing and should
keep noise levels down to
below 85 dB at the ear which
is a legal requirement. To put
this into perspective, normal
conversation is roughly 60
dB, a car horn is 110 dB and
a gunshot is 140 dB.
EFFECTIVE PROTECTION
There are various different
types of protection that can
be worn including large ear
defenders and instant fit
devices that can be custom-fit to the individual.
These items are readily
available and often offer
good value-for-money so
you don’t have to worry
about breaking the bank. It
is important to test products
thoroughly before issuing
them to staff membe