Preventing Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Wherever the clanging, banging, rattling and ringing of machinery and tools are part of the daily grind, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be a serious concern.

So much so that over 1.1 million Australians are exposed to hazardous noise in their workplace*. NIHL is a gradual process. It’s often detected long after the ears have been damaged irreversibly. With proactive measures and the correct use of hearing protectors, however, it is entirely preventable.

Understanding the Australian Safety Standards

In Australia, the Workplace Health and Safety Regulations require employers to ensure the noise that reaches a worker’s inner ear does not exceed 85dB(A) over an 8-hour period or a peak noise level of 140dB(C). The AS/NZS 1270 standard provides a Class System, which categorises hearing protectors based on their noise-reduction (attenuation) capabilities.

Besides a Class rating, hearing protection also has an SLC80 (Sound Level Conversion valid for 80% of wearers) rating, which measures the degree of noise reduction provided by a hearing protector, indicating the expected noise reduction for 80% of users when properly fitted.

Choosing Hearing Protection

When selecting a hearing protector, it’s important to consider:

• Noise reduction needs: Your business will need to do a noise assessment and based on that you can determine the Class rating of the hearing protection you need.
• Worksite and tasks: Consider the type of job, the duration of noise exposure, and how the hearing protection integrates with other personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Comfort and convenience: The two standard types of hearing protection are earplugs and earmuffs. Which one you choose will depend on what is most comfortable and practical for daily use.

At Blackwoods, our PROSAFE Nero Earmuffs offer 30dB Class 5 protection and our Torpedo Disposable Earplugs offer 29dB Class 5 protection. These products are excellent for substantial noise reduction in construction settings.

Shane Wood, Blackwoods National Category Manager for Eye, Head, Face, Hearing & Hand Protection explains, “Hearing loss isn’t something you can see straight away, the impact is long-term. It’s why we’ve investedextensively in the development of the PROSAFE Class 5 range. It goes to the heart of what PROSAFE is about, ensuring no matter how infinitesimal the risks may seem, they are managed effectively early.”

While some noise on the job site is unavoidable, taking a proactive approach can help prevent unnecessary noise induced hearing loss and make for a safe and sound work environment. 

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