What protection should be chosen and why?
Depending upon the noise exposure of the workforce, employers have various responsibilities with regard to reducing the noise levels and the supply and wearing of ear protection. (Refer to Industrial Noise Reduction Ltd’s “Noise at Work” document for a brief overview of the noise regulations). Click here. If an employee asks for ear protection and their noise exposure is between the lower and upper exposure action values, an employer must provide hearing protection. However, if their noise exposure exceeds the upper exposure action values then the employer must provide and enforce the wearing of hearing protection The main types of hearing protection are: Earmuffs, which completely cover the ear; Earplugs, which are inserted in the ear canal; and Semi-inserts (also called ‘canal caps’), which cover the entrance to the ear canal. The results provided in your noise assessment along with data from suppliers of hearing protection should be taken in consideration for type of ear protection
