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Headphones
Determining the need for hearing protection begins from the company’s risk assessment during which, the noise level is measured in five different workplace locations, and adequate protective devices determined. Two aspects must be kept in mind about the noise hazard:
Example: 15 minutes among 100 dB(A) noise has exactly the same influence as working 8 hours in 85 dB(A) noise.
Hearing protective equipment must be provided to the employees if:
In the first case, the employee can use the protective equipment as they please; in the second case, using the protection is mandatory.
The use of hearing protection equipment is mandatory in the following cases: working with a metal press, pneumatic drill or hammer; ramming construction poles, explosive works, timber and textile works, using a bolt or nail hammer, and all other works where the noise level exceeds 85 dB(A).
When choosing the hearing protection equipment, also the other extreme must be kept in mind. If noises are suppressed too much, the employee is “cut off” from the collective and environment, and can’t hear even the important sound signals. A sensible suppression of the noise level could be up to 70 dB.
Choosing hearing protection begins with answering the following questions:
All hearing protective equipment, both headphones and earplugs, must correspond to the standard EN 352.
Use
Prior to the use, make sure that the protective equipment is clean and unharmed.
When using headphones with headbands, the headband must be adjusted so that it would not put too much pressure on the head.
If the hygiene set (hygienic disposable protective
covers that do not decrease the headphones’ noise damping power and which are used in a soiled or hot environment) is used, it must be checked that it is clean and dry. If necessary or when soiled, the personal protective equipment must be replaced.
The headphones must be tight around the ears, because that is the only way they are of use.
After the use (usually, at the end of the workday), the headphones must be cleaned following the manufacturer’s recommendations (in the case of most common headphones, it is possible to remove the inside dampening layer for washing or replacing, if necessary).
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