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Protect Yourself |
If you are employed in a noisy environment where the sound output is 85dB(A) your employer is legally obliged to offer you hearing
protection. If the noise output is 90 dB(A)or higher it is compulsory for your employer to not only offer you effective hearing
protection but to ensure that it is worn.
In February 2006 the allowable decibels are being further reduced - make sure you know the rules. For legal definitions check out the
UK Government's Health and Safety website. www.hse.gov.uk/noise
If you are going into a noisy environment in your own time such as a pub, club or sporting venue where currently the law doesn't
legislate, it's up to you to protect yourself.
If you're a clubber there are things you can do. Don't stand near to loudspeakers. Give your ears regular breaks away from the source of
the music. Wear hearing protection the whole time you are in the club. Limit your visits to club venues.
If you're a musician in a band playing regularly you should protect your hearing, bear in mind that hearing damage is a consequence
of time as well as volume so you should wear hearing protection even during rehersals when you might not think you need it.
When should I wear hearing protection?
If you are exposed to excessively noisy environments (80 dB or more), you should wear hearing protectors. You should also wear them when
you are using power tools, noisy yard equipment, or firearms. The table below shows how easy it is to exceed maximum exposure levels.
| Level of noise in dB(A) |
Maximum daily exposure time |
| 85 |
8 hours |
| 91 |
2 hours |
| 97 |
30 minutes |
| 103 |
7 minutes |
Being exposed to noise can also cause fatigue and irritability
Some noise level examples (estimates)
| Noise level |
Unprotected |
Protected |
| 60dB |
Speech |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
| 70dB |
Office |
Unlimited |
Unlimited |
| 85dB |
Busy traffic |
8 hours |
Unlimited |
| 91dB |
Pub |
2 hours |
64 hours |
| 100dB |
Factory |
15 minutes |
8 hours |
| 106dB |
Nightclub |
4 minutes |
2 hours |
| 115dB |
Jackhammer |
30 seconds |
15 minutes |
| 140dB |
Gunshot |
None |
1.5 minutes |
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Protect Yourself
