Your Hearing is important, protect it!
Cells and nerves in the inner ear are destroyed by continuous exposure to loud noise. If enough cells and nerves are destroyed, hearing can be permanently damaged.
| EH&S survey of common power tool and tractors for noise levels (Feb 2010, partial listing) | ||
| Hand power tools | Noise to Ear distance | Exposure (dBA) |
| Weed eater | 2’ when in hands | 93-95 in use |
| SawzAll | 2’ when in hands | 94-96 at idle / |
| 95-96 when cutting wood | ||
| DeWALT circular saw | 2’ when in hands | 80-83 at idle / |
| 94-96 when cutting wood | ||
| John Deere 245 Tractor | 3’ for operator | 84-85 at idle |
| 95 with PTO idle | ||
OSHA’s daily limit is 85 dB
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Steps to prevent hearing damage 1. Wear earplugs when exposed to loud noise & lesser noise for long periods*1 2. Reduce exposure to noise outside of the workplace 3. Use sound-absorbing materials 4. Do not use several noisy machines at once 5. Do not drown out unwanted noise with other sounds 6. If at risk for hearing loss, have your hearing tested once a year |
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Hearing Protection 1. Single-Use Earplugs - Self-forming and work as well as most molded earplugs (most common) 2. Molded Earplugs - Must be individually fitted and can be disposable or reusable 3. Earmuffs - Require a perfect seal around the ear |
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NIOSH Noise Meter (.exe file) Download & play the Noise Meter file on any computer, even if Flash is not installed.
*1Hearing protection is to be made readily available to affected employees
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS IS PREVENTABLE!