Sounding out safety

Noise or an unwanted sound is a hazard that must be managed in the workplace. Exposing the unprotected sense of hearing to hazardous noise can result in temporary or permanent loss of hearing. Hearing injuries can also include the disabling condition of tinnitus, which is sometimes referred to as ringing in the ears or head.

Hearing damage can range from moderate to acute (partial to total loss of hearing) and once lost is non-repairable. It can leave sufferers feeling isolated, highly compromised during conversations and disadvantaged in the workplace.

Reducing hearing injuries in the workplace often requires professional advice and guidance and should be obtained from well-informed sources. Conversing with workplace health and safety bodies, and safety consultants if needed, is also recommended to ensure all obligations are being met.

Firstly, the risk must be eliminated so far as is reasonably practicable, and if that is not possible, the risks must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable. Identifying the hazard and risks, and assessing solutions centred on making the environment safe should be the primary goals. This aim may involve a number of actions such as engineering controls, isolation of machinery/equipment, and insulation to name a few. Ultimately, a combination of actions may be required to remove, reduce or control noise levels and personal exposure. These measures may take time and necessitate the need for hearing protection PPE to complement a successful hearing conservation program.

Correct selection of PPE is critical and requires careful evaluation. Australian and New Zealand Standards can provide an important reference point for valuable information. Products should be certified and clearly highlighted by the certifying body’s trademark on both the packaging and product. It is important to realise that compliance, or whether the product conforms, does not necessarily equate to certification. For the uninitiated, PPE selection should be provided by a professional source, such as a hygienist, safety officer or a  reputable supplier/retailer trained and capable of imparting guidance during this process.

The performance rating of hearing PPE must provide the correct reduction in noise levels and must not adversely affect communication or the ability to hear wanted noise.

While correct product performance, application, maintenance and storage are essential, fit/comfort is paramount. This is extremely important when considering hearing protection devices. Educating users in correct fit, maintenance and storage is vital as it impacts on comfort, performance and working life.

It is crucial that users wear their hearing protector 100% of the time while exposed to loud unwanted sound. Therefore, implementing a safety culture in the workplace is an ongoing process that involves planning, consultation and constant review. It must be supported by all and have total management commitment.

Education, training and consultation are essential to ensure the PPE provided is accepted, used correctly, maintained and regularly inspected. This is very important to ensure product is maintained in good order and will perform as it is intended. It should also prevent any unauthorised changes and product abuse. Wearer rejection is generally the result of poor PPE introduction, and uncomfortable or incompatible task-hindering products.

To aid in the success of any safety program, PPE must be comfortable, compatible and provide the level of protection needed.

Peter Logan is Asia Pacific General Manager for Scott Safety and is based in Sydney Australia. Peter has worked in the safety industry for 30 years in the product development, manufacturing and distribution of safety equipment to industry, emergency services and military throughout the Asia Pacific region.