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Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 064

M Mott – 23 November 2007

Hearing Protection

Noise is an everyday part of our lives, we rely on it, it is our primary means of communication, it is a
form of entertainment, it is a means of raising an alarm, it is a sense in which we detect danger, but
sometimes is it just an unwanted, unpleasant disturbance.

You perceive all these noises by your sense of hearing, you should protect your sense of hearing in
order to be able to maintain your ability to perceive the wanted noises – imagine not being able to hear
what your child or partner is saying to you, not being able to hear music or the television – not a nice
thought.

The work that we carry out sometimes requires us to use noisy machinery, generators, drills, jigsaws,
and hydraulic breakers. All these tools can be loud enough to damage our hearing.

A typical generator produces up to 85dB, prolonged exposure to this level of noise will permanently
damage your hearing. Note, noise levels are normally given at 1m from the item, however generator
manufactures commonly quote noise levels at 7m from the generator and therefore the levels quoted are
lower.

A BOSCH SDS battery powered hammer drill has a typical noise level of 91dB (with a typical peak
noise level of 104dB). A Hilti light duty battery drill is 85dB.

Hearing damage is a gradual process; at first you will probably not notice any difference. Slowly you
may notice that you have trouble using the telephone, your family may complain you have the
television on too loud, or you may have ringing in the ears (tinnitus) – these are the early signs of
hearing damage.

In order to prevent hearing damage, always assess the area you are working in, and the equipment you
are going to use to check if the noise level is or will be high. If you have trouble hearing somebody
talking two meters away, the noise level is too high. You are required by law to wear hearing
protection if the noise level is above 85dB. If you believe the noise level on any site you are working
on, or any equipment you are working with is high, then contact your supervisor immediately.

If possible always try to reduce the noise level at source before resorting to personal hearing protection.
Can the work be done at a time where the noise level is lower?
Can the work be done away from the noisy area?
Can the noise level be reduced (switch off the noisy machine / close doors)?
Can you use a tool / item of plant that is quieter?