Ear Protection Toolbox Talk
Loud noises from machinery, equipment, and tools can cause serious hearing problems over time. Use this free ear protection and noise toolbox talk to improve safety levels in your workplace. You can also view and download 60+ other toolbox talks covering everything with our toolbox talks kit.
Hearing protection toolbox talk
Introduction
Noise-induced hearing loss is the most common occupational health hazard there is, and it is incurable. Once you’re deaf, you stay deaf. This hearing safety toolbox talk helps identify and minimise such risks.
Main points
- Compressors, concrete mixers, circular saws, and breakers can all damage your hearing.
- You do not have to be using noisy equipment to be affected by it, just be in the vicinity.
- If you have to shout to be heard then the noise level can be regarded as high enough to warrant the wearing of ear protection.
Discussion points
- Wear ear protection at all times when exposed to a noise hazard (obey noise hazard warning signs).
- Wear proper ear protection and wear it properly (i.e. cotton wool is no good for ear protection and ear muffs are no good worn over a balaclava).
- If earplugs are used ensure they are a good fit, are fitted properly, and are kept clean.
- Use disposable ear plugs only once.
- Keep reusable earplugs clean.
- Ear protection must be a good fit, particularly where the seal fits the head, and must be worn the correct way around.
- Ensure hands are clean when handling all types of ear protection, and store ear protection in a clean environment.
- Do not alter the pressure of ear defenders by bending the band.
- Report any damaged, lost, or unserviceable ear protection immediately.
- Consider options for reducing noise in the workplace. Turn off unused machinery, keep cement mixer and compressor covers closed, ensure air lines do not leak, fit mufflers to tools where applicable, move noise source away, and shield any noise source.
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