Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Mike Tarrant
Can headphones with radio's incoporated in the ear piece be classed as hearing protection,My view is that they do not give sufficient protection to the ear and are likely to cause noise induced hearing loss when used for long periods and should not be used. The works director feels they are ok and does not won't to enforce a ban as it might upset the work force.
The noise levels within the works are well under the current 85Dba levels.I would be gratful for any advice or information as they does not seem to be any info relating to head phones.
Many Thanks.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Robert Paterson
The idea of hearing protection is to protect the ears from excessive noise. My own opinion is that I think that instead of reducing the noise your are in fact introducing another noise source into the environment.
The new legislation planned for 2005/2006 will reduce the threshholds.
I would suggest contacting HSE to clarify this before using such protection. Remember the HSE is also there to help us as well.
Regards
Robert Paterson
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By neil poyznts-powell
Mike,
Headphones could not in my opinion be argued to be suitable PPE.
However, the wearing of headphones could increase the liklihood of an accident e.g. pedstrians and vehicles in close proximity, failure to hear audiable warnings etc.
Is it practical for the company to have radio 'piped' into the workplace, keeping the employees happy and giving management control over the level of sound?
Regards,
Neil
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Kevin Walker
Can I assume you mean normal stereo headphones you see people walking around the street wearing as opposed to actual hearing protectors?
A normal radio headphone would give no hearing protection at all as they are not designed too. In fact they would work as a distracting force as the volume is independantly controlled.
There are though hearing protectors with in built radio recievers which would give protection, depending on their grade and attenuation.
You're better of with piped radio, although then you end up with the station arguements etc.
kevin
kevin
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Laurie
Be careful with piped music. Some hearing problems can actually result in this causing pain, for instance some forms of tinnitus.
You are then running up against the DDA
Laurie
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By neil poyznts-powell
Thanks for that information Laurie.
Very interesting!
Regards,
Neil
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Dave Daniel
Many years ago, about 1978-9, I was asked to investigate the possible use of music-fed hearing protectors to encourage their use in British Leyland. We were given a reference site by the supplier in the Black Country and went to see it. I recall that the level of use seemed little different, and I can remember watching a man wearing them step out in front of a fork truck he had not heard. Needless to say we did not pursue these devices.
I have seen such devices sucessfully used for bench work in the Rag Trade but with no vehicles present. They would only work in moderate noise levels.
As regards new Regs - These seem to be a bag of worms anyway.. have you ever considered that most white van drivers will probably be exposed to levels in excess of 80dB(A) and need to wear earmuffs when driving, as well as their current dark glasses and white sticks?
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.