Noise can permanently damage hearing if no protective measures are taken. The German Social Accident Insurance Institution for the construction industry (BG BAU) now has a checklist for employers to help them plan noise protection measures and select the right hearing protection.
In a working environment that is regularly exposed to noise, employees are at risk of noise-induced hearing loss. This occupational disease develops gradually and cannot be reversed.
In order to effectively counter the health risks to the ear and comply with the provisions of the Noise and Vibration Ordinance, daily noise exposure must be limited to less than 80 decibels and a single noise event to less than 135 decibels. If the exposure is above the legal maximum value, occupational safety measures must be taken according to the so-called TOP principle, i.e. in the order technical, organizational and personal.
Technical and organizational protection against noise
The possibility of technical and organizational measures has priority and must be examined first in order to minimize the impact on hearing.
On construction sites in particular:
Use of noise-reduced machines
Use of noise-reduced circular saw blades or cut-off wheels
Use of the appropriate machine required for the activity (no oversizing)
Marking of noise zones: Work areas that exceed the noise protection limits (from 85 decibels during the day and 137 decibels at peak levels) must be marked with the note: “Wear hearing protection” and demarcated accordingly.
Avoidance of noisy operations through flexible working hours or rotation principleThe last resort: Individual protection
If the technical and organizational possibilities are not sufficient and effective hearing protection cannot be achieved in any other way, protection must be ensured by means of personal protective equipment. As soon as the daily noise level rises to 85 decibels, the wearing of this protection becomes mandatory and must be made available to employees in CE-tested quality.
Hearing protection checklist
Not all hearing protection is ideal for every purpose. To choose the right hearing protection, employers must first determine the conditions and requirements of each individual workplace. The following questions will help:
How high is the daily noise exposure?
Does important information have to be audible despite the noise?
Do warning signals need to be recognized?
Must it be possible to locate sound sources?
Is communication necessary?
Do you work in the heat?
Is the workplace particularly dusty?
Were the employees involved in the selection of the hearing protection model?
Have employees been instructed in the use and application of hearing protection?
Further information can be found on the BG Bau website