Personal protection against noise

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the term used for a variety of physical devices used to protect the body from hazards. Industrial hazards include impact, excess noise, heat, cold, and noxious chemicals of many different kinds and actions. The type of PPE we are concerned with here, of course, is equipment that can provide protection against hazardous chemicals. Protection may be required specifically for the face and eyes, skin, and the respiratory system, and each may need a different kind of safeguard. However, as previously stated, except in emergencies and special circumstances, PPE should not be relied on as the primary or sole approach to protection. Primary attack at the source by administrative and engineering means must always be considered paramount. 

Of these various factors, the most critical are the sound level, frequency, duration, and distribution of noise. The unprotected human ear is at risk when exposed to sound levels exceeding 115 dBA. Exposure to sound levels below 80 dBA is generally considered safe. Prolonged exposure to noise levels higher than 80 dBA should be protected against through the use of appropriate personal protective devices. 

Personal protective device Examples include earplugs or earmuffs worn as protection against hazardous noise. 

Common controls. Noise can be controlled in the work environment by isolation or enclosure of the source of the noise. Control rooms can be constructed in treatment plants to provide a low-noise environment for operators. If operators must enter high-noise areas they can be required to use personal hearing protection to protect against high noise levels. 

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