Protect Your Hearing With Earplugs & Earmuffs!

Hearing Loss Is One Of The Most Widespread Yet Preventable Workplace Injuries

How Can We Help?

There are times when we know the environment is going to be loud. Whether this is at work or not.
Knowing this allows us to prepare for a noisy environment by taking precautions (such as earmuffs or earplugs) to protect ourselves from suffering any sort of permanent hearing loss. 

The loss of hearing has a dramatic impact on the quality of life and can contribute to many other safety problems such as, lack of awareness and reduced concentration.

Ear protection that has been designed and fitted correctly will keep industrial noise below the harmful levels, so the choice of an appropriate ear protection device is extremely vital!

When Does Noise Become Harmful?

Safe Work Australia states that standard noise exposure is 85dB averaged over 8 hours.

The table below displays the length of time a person (without hearing protection i.e. earplugs or earmuffs) can be exposed before this standard is exceeded:

Safe Work Australia states that for workers to work safely, they must be able to hear warning signals above the ambient noise.
Some situations require at least 65dB and more than 15dB greater than the ambient noise level at any position in the signal reception area.
If you require more information regarding these requirements they can be found in ISO 7731:2003 Ergonomics - Danger signals for public and work areas - Auditory danger signals. 

Hazardous noise isn't always obvious but by incorporating hazard identification into your safety procedures you can work out which activities within the workplace could potentially contribute to hearing loss or other harm (caused by noise). 

**This is a general guide only and is not an absolute basis for noise level selection as equipment may operate at different noise levels. Every work site should be tested and reviewed by Work Safe.

But How Do I Choose My Hearing Protection?

Hearing protection such as earmuffs and earplugs are used to reduce noise to a safe level for the wearer to prevent hearing loss/damage while still allowing the individual to hear warnings and instructions. 
Generally speaking, wearing hearing protection should provide a similar effect to if you were to cup your hands over your ears. 

The main criteria when selecting hearing protection is that the noise level entering the wearer's ears needs to be reduced to below the legal limits outlined in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. 

1. an 8-hour equivalent continuous A weighted sound pressure level of 85 dB(A), referenced to 20 µPa, determined in accordance with 1269.1:2005 (Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure).; or
2. a C-weighted peak sound pressure level of 140 dB(C), referenced to 20 µPa, determined in accordance with 1269.1:2005 (Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure).

The SLC80 Method

The workplace noise is measured in C-weighted sound pressure levels as average over the shift, [LCeq,8h]. The SLC80 (Sound Level Conversion valid for 80 per cent of the wearers) of the hearing protector indicates the difference between the measured C-weighted sound pressure level of the workplace noise outside the hearing protector and the A-weighted sound pressure level, attenuated by the hearing protector, under the hearing protector inside the ear canals.
For example, the noise level in a workplace was 105 dB(C) (as average over the shift). The target ‘in-ear’ noise level is 80 dB(A). The minimum SLC80 required for a hearing protector in this workplace would be: SLC80 rating = 105 dB(C) - 80 dB(A) = 25

The Class Method

3M #1100 Plain Earplugs Smooth dirt resistance surface Soft hypoallergenic foam offers superior comfort Designed to adjust to most ear canals Bright orange colour permits high visibility and makes safety checks easier SLC 80 rating 21dB
E-A-Rsoft Superfit Foam Earplugs Bullet design Smooth texture and advanced foam formulation offer outstanding softness Features a red line that acts as a visible indication of correct fitting Made from slow recovery foam that is flame and moisture resistant SLC80 rating 24dB (Class 4)
3M #1110 Corded Plain Earplugs Smooth dirt resistant surface Soft hypoallergenic foam offers superior support Designed to adjust to most ear canals Bright orange colour permits high visibility and makes safety checks easier SLC 80 Rating 21dB
Viper Earmuffs Class 5, SLC8026dB Hearing protection for noise levels to 110dB(A) Solid lightweight ear cup construction High quality ear cushions Inner foam & headband cushions provides comfort during extended wear Low clamping force applies minimum pressure while maintaining a tight snug seal Three position headband (over the head, behind the head and under the chin)
3M H7 Peltor Earmuffs Versatile high quality earmuff Meets the protection needs for most working environments Available in headband & neckband Liquid & foam filled cushions to provide quality noise seal & all day comfort