Preventing Noise Induced Hearing loss

No Construction Worker should have their hearing damaged as a consequence of work.

Too much noise at work can cause permanent harm to the inner part of the ear.The damage cannot be reversed or repaired.

There are no early warning signs but if you cannot hear properly for a while after work it is likely that if you continue to be exposed to this level of noise your hearing will be damaged.

What Happens?
Difficulty in hearing usually gradual in onset: Ringing or buzzing in the ears. (Tinnitus)

STEP 1

Know what it is and get started to stop it harming health:
Think about the machinery you work with and the tools you use and decide where noise is likely to be excessive: Remember the construction industry is noisy. Use the ready reckoner

Machinery and Tools:

• Jackhammer: 102-111dB
• Excavator: 109dB
• Earthmover: 87-94dB
• Front end Loader: 86-94dB
• Ready mix lorry: 112dB

Is the noise intrusive - like a busy street, a vacuum cleaner or a crowded restaurant - for most of the working day?

• Do your employees use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than half an hour each day?
• Remember the 2 metre rule (Do your employees have to raise their voices to carry out a normal conversation when about 2 m apart for at least part of the day?) If so noise may be a problem 

STEP 2: Decide on how bad the problem is

• Where may there be a risk from noise and who is likely to be affected;
• Get a reliable estimate of your employees' exposures, and compare the exposure with the exposure action values and limit values;
• Identify what you need to do to comply with the law, eg whether noise-control measures or hearing protection are needed, and, if so, where and what type; and
• Identify employees who need audiometry and whether any are at particular risk.
  

STEP3: Take action

• Tackle as much of the noise at source as is possible;
• Provide your employees with protection;
• Tell them about the noise levels and what you and they must do to protect health;and
• If you need audiometry make sure the person who does this is properly trained and has the necessary qualifications; a doctor should oversee all audiometry.

Dos and Don'ts

Do:

• Buy quietest machinery
• Protect hearing
• Tell employees about noise levels

Don't:

• Rely solely on hearing protection and forget about controlling noise at source;
• Ignore construction noise and consider it goes with the job.