"instead of assuming you may be protected, understand the level of protection you have"
There are many sources of noise in the workplace. Aswell as the obvious loss of hearing the negative impacts of noise exposure can also include increased blood pressure and stress levels.
Over time, this can cause stress to the cardiovascular system and result in adverse outcomes such as anger and exhaustion.
Exposure to excessively loud noise destroys the inner ear’s nerve endings. Continued exposure results in more nerve endings dying.
This can cause permanent hearing loss that cannot be corrected by surgery or medicine.
Noise pollution levels can vary during the working day and can also alter from impacts of the production process, e.g., cutting tool failure during machining or material jamming in processing plant.
The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is 85 dB(A) (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is 80 dB(A).
There is also an exposure limit value of 87 dB(A), taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed.
what to do
The source of noise risk should be identified, and appropriate steps taken to reduce occurrence and exposure. Appropriate PPE should be issued to those at risk.
note
Sound levels above 55 dBA and above may be uncomfortable for most people and may lead to weaker concentration, irritability, and lack of focus.
external reference
HSE: Noise at work – health and safety in the workplace
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