Earplugs and Ear Defenders

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Earplugs

Ear Defenders

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What are ear defenders?

Other types of hearing protection

When should hearing protection be used?

Hearing Protection Information

Levels of Protection Physical Agents (Noise) Directive - 2003/10/ECA

This Directive is now in place and became law in early 2008. It requires that persons working in noise levels between
80dBA (Lower Action Level) & 85dBA must be provided with suitable hearing protection on request. Where noise levels
are at or above 85dBA (Upper Action Level), suitable hearing protection must be supplied and worn. In addition,
new "Exposure Limit Value" requires that no worker may be exposed to more than "87dBA 8 Hour Equivalent" under
any circumstances, taking into account any hearing protection worn, (the 87dBA level is that INSIDE the Hearing
Protector). There are also new "Action Values" for impact noise and the requirement for Risk Assessments in the
workplace is reinforced by Article 4 of the new Directive.

Ear protection dos and don'ts

Don't

Provide ear defenders which cut out too much noise – this can cause isolation (which can make workers unaware of certain environment contingencies that they need to be aware of) or a reluctance to wear them.
Force workers to wear defenders when it is not a legal requirement.
Apply a generalist rule which may not be appropriate for some circumstances.

The Health and Safety Executive provides information and guidance on health and safety in the workplace including specific information on ear protection.