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Hearing Protection

How loud is too loud?

According to Safe Work Australia:

4,700 claims are made each year for noise-induced hearing loss.

 

Properly selected hearing protection equipment should reduce noise to a level where the risk of hearing damage is reduced whilst at the same time allows the wearer to hear instructions or warnings in the workplace.

NOISE LEVELS

Decibels (dB) measure the intensity of a sound.

Some appropriate dB levels are shown below:

The target safe level is regarded as 80 dB(A) not to exceed 85 dB(A)

Class Ratings for Earplugs

Hearing protection should be tested according to Australian Standard 1270 with performance results printed on the packaging, normally stated as SLC80 and or Class.

Class

SLC80 Range

Workplace Noise Level

1
10 - 13
Less than 90 Decibels
2
14 - 17
90 to less than 95dB
3
18 - 21
95 to less than 100dB
4
22 - 25
100 to less than 105dB
5
26+
105 to less than 110dB

 

For simplicity, if a worker is exposed to machinery  noise of 97 dB(A) averagely over an 8 hour shift, then they would require a Class 3 level of protection or protection with a SLC80 rating between 18 and 21.

Shop Our Range of Hearing Protection

Signet carries a wide selection of respirators - from disposable masks to full-face respirators, from the world's leading manufacturers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I just buy the highest-class level of protection?

A potential issue is that over-protection may result in workers regularly removing their protection to communicate. It is important to aim for 100% wear time as just a few minutes of unprotected exposure to noise everyday can accumulate and damage hearing.

There are no safety classifications or ratings on or with my hearing protection?

Hearing protection equipment should NOT be used unless it conforms to relevant Australian Standards including testing to a relevant safety classification standard.

Where can I find further information on this?

Safe Work Australia
safeworkaustralia.gov.au

Safe Work Australia
safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/model-code-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-work

Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002

How do I know how much noise is in my work environment?

A quick test you can do to assess the noise in your workplace is the 'one metre rule'. If you need to raise your voice to talk to someone about one metre away, you can assume the sound level is likely to be hazardous to hearing. Contact a professional Noise Audit or Survey company to test your work environment.

Can I wear earplugs and ear muffs together?

Not withstanding potential issues with over-protection, in some instances this may be a good solution to increase the earmuff decibel rating.

This material has been prepared for basic informational purposes only and is subject to change without notice. This information does not take the place of professional advice or state or national legal obligations as they relate to your specific business. It is strongly recommended that businesses do their own research and consult with relevant professional services or associations to ensure adherence to the workplace health and safety standards that apply to your business and industry.