NOISE AT WORK

LIFE NEEDS SOUND

AWARENESS SESSION FOR WORKERS

WHAT IS NOISE

• Noise is all around us – at home, at leisure and at work

• If noise is too loud and we are exposed for too long it can damage our hearing and affect our safety at work.

• Exposure to high levels of noise may lead to hearing loss and other harmful health effects

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WHAT IS NOISE

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When noise gets loud enough

— It is unpleasant

— It is distracting

— It is tiring & stressful

— Higher levels / long exposure can cause permanent hearing damage

— 85dB(a) Noise Action Level

HEARING LOSS

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WORKERS MUST….

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HOW DO I KNOW IF IT IS NOISY

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HEARING PROTECTION

• Does not stop noise

• Reduces the noise level entering the ear

• Only works if used and maintained correctly

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HEARING PROTECTION

Zero reduction in Noise

Zero reduction in Noise

Reduction in Noise

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HEARING PROTECTION

No noise reduction

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FITTING TIPS - ROLL-DOWN FOAM EARPLUGS

ROLL - entire earplug into a crease-free cylinder

PULL BACK - pinna by reaching over head with free hand, gently pull top of ear up and out

INSERT - earplug well into ear canal and hold until it fully expands

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FITTING TIPS - MULTIPLE-USE EARPLUGS

REACH - While holding the stem, reach hand overhead and gently pull top of ear up and back.

INSERT - Insert earplug so all flanges are well inside the ear canal.FIT - If properly fitted, only the stem of the earplugs should be visible to someone looking at you from the front.

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FITTING TIPS - VISUAL + ACOUSTICAL CHECKS

VISUAL CHECK - The earplug should sit well inside the ear canal and not stick out.

ACOUSTICAL CHECK - Cup hands over ears and release. Earplugs should block enough noise so that covering your ears with hands should not result in a significant noise difference.

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FITTING TIPS - EARMUFF INSTRUCTIONS

2 - Adjust the headband by sliding the headband up or down at the attachment buttons

3 - The ear cushions should seal firmly against the head

1 - Place earcups over each outer ear

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SIGNAGE

• Where noisy areas have been identified

• Signage should be in place to warn everyone of the dangers

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