Toolbox Talk Noise Health Risks in Construction This

Toolbox Talk Noise Health Risks in Construction This project has been delivered with support from the CITB Growth Fund, which aims to ensure that the construction industry has the right people, with the right skills, in the right place, at the right time and is equipped to meet the future skills demands of the industry.

Ear and Hearing Hazards General Estimates of Work-Related Noises d. B (decibels) Rocket launch 180 Jet engine at take off 140 Pneumatic percussion drill 119 Chain saw 110 Bulldozer, Spray painter 105 Hand drill 98 194 Loudest tone possible 165 12 -Gauge shotgun 120 Ambulance siren 114 Hammer drill 103 Impact wrench 96 Tractor 90 Hair dryer/power lawn mower Belt sander 93 Exposures ≥ 85 may cause hearing loss Weakest sound heard by the average ear 0 80 Ringing telephone 30 Whisper

Ear and Hearing Hazards When should you worry? » Constant noise from tools and equipment » Sudden loud noises

Warning signs What are the warning signs? » The sounds of P’s and B’s are first to become difficult to hear » You have to turn the radio down when you get in the car in the morning and turn it up when leaving work

Risks Why worry…? » Once you have damaged your hearing, it cannot be fixed » Even with a hearing aid it won’t be perfect

Prevention Try to reduce any noise coming from machinery or equipment by: » Closing covers » Maintain equipment » Move to another job in a quieter area » Wear hearing protection » Use localised noise abatement

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