Message Board - Health & Safety: PPE
8 Jun 2009 by Mike
Hi guys,
I just wanted to gauge some opinions on ppe, or more to the point - ear defenders.
I get the impression that there are two schools of thought. One which suggests that ear defenders (or similair) must be worn for all operations over 85db, the other stating that ear defenders are a hindrance, with inhibited comunication being the main argument that I have come across.
How many of you agree with some form of ear defense? Also, do you use the operators manual to assess if ear defenders are required for each machine, or do you aim to employ a 'best practice' approach and aim to wear ear defenders when undertaking such tasks as mowing, driving tractors etc?
Thanks
8 Jun 2009 by Ken Barber
Hi Mike, I insist all my staff wear ear defenders when operating machines. I do this because I have 60% hearing loss and severe tinitus.... why, because I did not wear ear defenders for years.
I am punished by my own personal negligence. I cannot hear the birds singing anymore.... apart from the constant sound of a flock of starlings in my head.
KB
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under who’s shade you do not expect to sit.
8 Jun 2009 by sipho
hear hear Ken
I too suffer from tinitus and its the worst/ I dont have severe hearing loss but do find myself missing out on conversation from time to time
Ear defenders are a must !!
Gogga International Affairs Officer
8 Jun 2009 by Ken Barber Last edited 8 Jun 2009
Hi Sipho, You know what its like when your in a busy pub and can't hold a conversation with your friends because the surrounding noise around you blocks out your hearing totally.
KB
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under who’s shade you do not expect to sit.
8 Jun 2009 by Mal
Blimey I thought that was just me! The tinitus I think is bad sometimes worse I feel late at night for me. I used to live in the country and loved just how absolutely dead silent it was apart from the occasional fox bark or owl hoot when retiring to bed but now, the tinitus just spoils what should be a nice quiet moment for me. I know it's a bit late for me but I always wear ear defenders if I am using loud machinery such as tractor and flail pick up mower and ear plugs if a pedestrian mower. At least I'll keep what hearing I have, hopefully.
Geography is everywhere
9 Jun 2009 by wicketdevil
I make sure all my guys wear ear defenders the only problems we find are the ear pieces we wear for our walkie talkies hurt when warn under the ear defenders so we dont wear the ear pieces better protect your hearing you only get one set guys.
Can you just is the longest sentence in the world !!!!!!!
9 Jun 2009 by tavdebo
i was talking to some retired members who were involved in civil engineering projects in the 60s and 70s and they would be called faggots if they used any protection..even when they were using explosives for blasting .
I use a pair of airport grade ear defenders...very good they are too
9 Jun 2009 by Ken Barber
The problem I see with my guy's, is they wear their music earplugs inside their defenders..... Probably doing themselves more harm from the loud music than they would from the noise of the machine.
KB
The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under who’s shade you do not expect to sit.
9 Jun 2009 by Sumomosr
eh?
Wear ear protection whenever you can!
GOGGA
9 Jun 2009 by Neil Dixon
You need to be careful not to " over protect or under protect" the operator, so buying the best quality or cheapest ear defenders for all tasks is not the right thing to be doing, as it will cut the operator off from their surroundings or not offer sufficent protection.
The hearing protection being used / made available has to match the Db level of the machine being used, this can be done by the looking at the SNR rating on ear defenders.
Translate this information into daily exposure points and then you will be able to manage efficently the noise risk for staff.
9 Jun 2009 by Mike
Thanks for your input everyone, much appreciated.
Mike
10 Jun 2009 by Steve63
For machinery which reaches 80db hearing protection must be provided by the employer. For machinery which reaches 85db hearing protection must be worn, this legislation was revised in 2005 and can be found on the HSE website.
Regards
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
10 Jun 2009 by GaryA
Just a snippet from a slightly different angle to give those who pooh pooh ear defenders - a friend of mine is a dj, playing in nightclubs all over the world (lucky sod!). His ears, along with his hands, are insured for a lot of money but my point is he, along with many of the other 'top' djs I have met over the years now wear ear defenders when playing out. Surely if they're good enough for superstar djs they're good enough for groundsmen / greenkeepers who are subjected to loud noise for more prolonged periods of time!
Gary
Be Just and Fear Not
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