Can I ask for some advise on the use of ear defenders whilst using a folklift truck.  Whilst I understand the requirements to manage noise and that protection should not block out too much external nose can I be pushed in the right direction for some form of documentation.  Looking at the Rider-operated lift trucks HSE document it only touches on viewing manufactures guidance re noise management.  Im getting push back that ear defenders are not appropriate, feedback from a former forklift truck operator/licensed forklift drivers and qualified external trainer.  

Originally Posted by: Max

Im getting push back that ear defenders are not appropriate, feedback from a former forklift truck operator/licensed forklift drivers and qualified external trainer. 

and these people have personal noise dosimetry proving that exposure does not exceed any legal limits?

Must admit that at first consideration FLT drivers are probably unlikely to be significantly exposed and it would be best to have unobstructed hearing to safely drive the FLT around site so as to hear warnings and hazards.

However there are situations where an FLT driver can be exposed to significant peak noise and for extended periods - as with all matters it comes down to the assessment of your operations.

Control Of Noise at Work Regs 2005 

7(3) If in any area of the workplace under the control of the employer an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value for any reason the employer shall ensure that—

(a)the area is designated a Hearing Protection Zone;

(b)the area is demarcated and identified by means of the sign specified for the purpose of indicating that ear protection must be worn.......; and

(c)access to the area is restricted where this is practicable and the risk from exposure justifies it,

and shall ensure so far as is reasonably practicable that no employee enters that area unless that employee is wearing personal hearing protectors.

(highlights my own)

SFAIRP is time/effort/cost vs reduction in risk. So it is down to whether the knock-on effects of supplying your FLT drivers hearing protection compared to keeping everyone around them safe.

Basically you would need to look at how long/often the exposure time is, what the peak exposure for them is, what are the safety implications of reduced hearing for a flt driver etc. Personally I have never known of hearing protection (selected correctly) to cause a flt driver not to hear a warning that they would have heard were they not wearing that protection. Remember, if they need protection it is probably already too loud for them to hear many warnings. Every factory I have worked in, in whatever capacity, have always had hearing protection on flt driver's when their exposure level warrants it.

No matter what you decide, on a technicality, you must supply ear protection to them if they are exposed above the upper exposure limit, 

7(2) Without prejudice to the provisions of regulation 6, if an employer is unable by other means to reduce the levels of noise to which an employee is likely to be exposed to below an upper exposure action value, he shall provide personal hearing protectors to any employee who is so exposed.

​​​​​​​There is no caveat there, it is a "shall"

HSE guidance INDG462 page 4 ( my bold), seems to suggest they don’t have a problem with hearing protection when required.

Specific job training

Specific job training will normally follow the completion of basic training, but may be

combined or integrated with it. It will be tailored to your particular needs and

include, where appropriate:

■ knowledge and understanding of the operating principles and controls of the lift

truck to be used, especially relating to handling attachments and loads specific

to the job (to be repeated when the design of truck is changed);

■ routine inspection and servicing of that truck, in accordance with the operator’s

handbook or manufacturer’s instructions, which may reasonably be carried out

by the operator (to be repeated when the design of truck is changed);

■ using the truck in conditions the operator will meet at work, eg gangways;

loading bays; racking; lifts; automatic doors; confined areas; cold stores;

slopes; rough terrain; loading platforms; other vehicles; and bad weather;

■ instruction on site rules, eg site layout; one-way systems; speed limits; general

emergency procedures; using protective clothing and devices including

operator restraints and eye and hearing protection; work near excavations and

overhead lines; and other hazards;

■ training in the work to be carried out, eg loading particular types of vehicle with

loads normally found at that workplace; using the lift truck fitted with working

platforms where appropriate;

■ safe systems of work, which should include custody arrangements for keys.