Personal Protective Equipment
Hearing Protection
Hearing protection is designed to reduce the level of sound energy reaching the inner ear.
The ”rule of thumb” for hearing protection is: use hearing protection when you can’t carry on a conversation at a normal volume of voice when you are 1 metre / 3 feet apart.
Remember, this is only a rule of thumb. Any sound over 85 decibels requires hearing protection. Hearing loss can be very gradual, usually happening over several years.
The most common types of hearing protection in the construction industry are earplugs and earmuffs. If you choose to use any other type of hearing protection, ask your Regional Health and Safety Team for further information.
Most earplugs, if properly fitted, generally reduce noise to the point where it is comfortable (takes the sharp edge off the noise).
If your hearing protection does not take the sharp edge off the noise, or if Workers experience ringing, pain, headaches or discomfort in their ears, consult with the Regional Safety Manager.
All Qualico employees that work in high noise areas will have their hearing tested at the intervals prescribed by their province or state regulations.
How to Properly Fit Ear Plugs
1. ROLL & COMPRESS
With clean hands, hold earplug between thumb and forefinger as shown.
Roll and progressively compress the entire tapered end of the earplug to a small wrinkle-free cylinder.
2. INSERT
To ensure fitting, reach hand over head and gently pull ear upward and outward as shown.
Insert compressed, tapered end of earplug well inside ear canal.
Hold 30-60 seconds until earplug expands.
Release and then push in again for 5 seconds to ensure fit.
3. CORRECT FIT
When properly inserted, the bottom edge of earplug is located at the opening of the ear canal.
4. INCORRECT FIT
A portion of the earplug not in the ear canal will reduce effectiveness.