4. Hearing Protection a. The employee’s immediate supervisor will order and provide adequate hearing protection for employees. All employees subject to work in those areas must be provided with appropriate hearing protection devices from among the following types listed in the table below. b. Employees are required to wear hearing protection that is provided, and at no time must an employee tamper with, or modify any hearing protection equipment. Damaged or defective equipment must be discarded and replaced. c. Supervisors are required to enforce the hearing conservation policy in their area of responsibility. d. The standard required that a variety of hearing protection devices be available to persons who are required to wear them. The types of protective devices available include: Type of Hearing Advantages Disadvantages Protection Ear Muffs One size fits most adults. Usually have a lower noise reduction rating than ear plugs, but still provide effective protection. Can easily be seen at a distance. They are bulky and cannot fit in pockets or stored in tool Can be put on, adjusted, etc. kits. wearing gloves. May interfere with and not sit properly when glasses, Can be warming to the ears in cold hearing aids, etc. Because of their size, may not be weather suitable for the work quarters. Excessive heat and accumulation may make uncomfortable to wear in hot locations. Are more difficult to than ear plugs. Ear plugs Have highest noise reduction rating and Fitting can be complicated. (pre-formed and are very effective in protecting your expandable) hearing when worn properly. Ear canals vary in diameter and the left and right ear canals are not necessarily similar in size, shape, or Do not interfere with work in close position. quarters. Can be easily left in other work clothes or fall out of Are easily carried and stored when not pocket and become lost. in use. Cannot be seen at a distance which makes it difficult to Compatible with glasses or any other evaluate if person is wearing them. type of head gear without affecting performance. Gloves must be removed and hands washed prior to putting in ear plugs. Can be easily cleaned.
4. Hearing Protection a. The employee’s immediate supervisor will order and provide adequate hearing protection for employees. All employees subject to work in those areas must be provided with appropriate hearing protection devices from among the following types listed in the table below. b. Employees are required to wear hearing protection that is provided, and at no time must an employee tamper with, or modify any hearing protection equipment. Damaged or defective equipment must be discarded and replaced. c. Supervisors are required to enforce the hearing conservation policy in their area of responsibility. d. The standard required that a variety of hearing protection devices be available to persons who are required to wear them. The types of protective devices available include: Type of Hearing Protection Advantages Disadvantages Ear Muffs One size fits most adults. Can easily be seen at a distance. Can be put on, adjusted, etc. wearing gloves. Can be warming to the ears in cold weather Usually have a lower noise reduction rating than ear plugs, but still provide effective protection. They are bulky and cannot fit in pockets or stored in tool kits. May interfere with and not sit properly when glasses, hearing aids, etc. Because of their size, may not be suitable for the work quarters. Excessive heat and accumulation may make uncomfortable to wear in hot locations. Are more difficult to than ear plugs. Ear plugs (pre-formed and expandable) Have highest noise reduction rating and are very effective in protecting your hearing when worn properly. Do not interfere with work in close quarters. Are easily carried and stored when not in use. Compatible with glasses or any other type of head gear without affecting performance. Can be easily cleaned. Fitting can be complicated. Ear canals vary in diameter and the left and right ear canals are not necessarily similar in size, shape, or position. Can be easily left in other work clothes or fall out of pocket and become lost. Cannot be seen at a distance which makes it difficult to evaluate if person is wearing them. Gloves must be removed and hands washed prior to putting in ear plugs.