Hearing protection guide
Hearing protection is only useful if it is properly selected and correctly used. A new guide helps with the safe use of plugs in industrial noise workplaces.
According to the World Health Organization, 1.1 billion people under the age of 35 worldwide are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. "Although many industries use earplugs for hearing protection, it's surprising how many employers still think that offering two or three types in different colors is sufficient," said Brad Witt, director of hearing protection at Honeywell Safety Products. "One-size-fits-all, however, doesn't always fit, and if hearing protection plugs don't fit correctly, the user has a false sense of security and is not protected from low-frequency noise. This could result in essentially no protection at all and workers being exposed to noise levels that cause hearing damage."
To help workplace health and safety managers, Honeywell is releasing a new guide on the proper selection and safe use of hearing protection plugs. It includes a size chart and recommendations on the different sizes and varieties of earplugs required to eliminate this problem.
The guide was developed based on research into the most common problems encountered when using earplugs. It provides recommendations for selecting the correct size and presents methods for inserting earplugs. It also provides information on identifying and correcting problems related to inadequate protection and uncomfortable fit.
The guide can here can be downloaded free of charge. It is also available in interactive form for tablets and mobile devices, so it can be used as a training aid for both new and experienced workers.
