We only have one set of ears so it is important that we look after them and as an employer you have a responsibility to your staff to protect them from damaging their hearing whilst at work.

So how noisy is your work place?

A general rule of thumb is that if you have to shout to be heard by someone stood 3 feet away then the noise level will be over 85 decibels. This would mean that hearing protection must be provided

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 state that;

Noise levels between 70 and 80 decibels are loud enough to consider wearing hearing protection but it is optional at this level.

Noise levels between 80 and 85 decibels hearing protection should be worn if exposure is over 8 hours per day and training and information should be given to all affected staff.

Noise levels over 85 decibels and hearing protection MUST be provided.

All hearing protection has an SNR (single number rating) to assist you in choosing the appropriate levels of protection. The SNR number is the number of potential decibels the hearing protection will reduce the noise level by. The aim is to find protection that will bring the noise level down to between 70 and 80 decibels. Over protection should be avoided.

At Prestige Safety Services we can advise and supply all different types of hearing protection. Get in touch if you would like further information or prices.