Noise is an unpleasant, aggravating and debilitating problem. Damage to the tiny sensory hair cells in the inner ear is irreversible. Personal hearing loss can lead to expensive compensation claims being lodged against employers.
The Noise at Work Regulations, 1989, require that any persons working in noise levels between 85 dBA and 90 dBA must be provided with suitable hearing protection on request. If noise levels are above 90 dBA then hearing protection must be supplied and worn. New European legislation to become law in the U.K in Feb 2006, reduces these levels to 80dB and 85dB. The new regulations also incorporate other changes including a "maximum exposure limit" value of 87dB.
Ear plugs or Ear Defenders are used once the correct attenuation has been identified by Health & Safety.
Companies like E.A.R. Peltor, North, Howard Leight and Bilsom offer a range of hearing protection in plug form, corded, banded ear defenders and capped ear defenders which can be mounted to safety helmets.
There is also a range of traceable ear plugs which are used within the food industry.
For more information on the range of ear protection contact us on sales@impact-workwear.co.uk