The legal responsibilities both employers and employees
13
PPE used particular area. Continuous noise
at work causes deafness, makes people irritable, affects concentration,
causes fatigue and accident proneness and may mask sounds which need
to heard order work efficiently and safely.
Safety First
PPE
Always wear use the PPE (personal
protective equipment) provided by
your employer for your safety. person
has shout understood 2m, the background noise about 85dB. This the basis the widely accepted limit of
85dB continuous exposure noise for 8hours per day. Working with VDUs (visual
display units) can cause eye strain and fatigue and, therefore, this hazard
is the subject separate section the beginning Chapter headed
‘VDU operation hazards’.
Breathing reasonably clean air the right every individual, particu-
larly work. Whether noise particular level harmful not also depends on
the length exposure it. The usual basis for measuring noise sound level the decibel
scale. Some industrial processes produce dust which may present
. Alternatively, may
be possible provide job rotation, rearrange work locations provide
acoustic refuges.
The eyes are very vulnerable liquid splashes, flying particles and light
emissions such ultraviolet light, electric arcs and lasers. These may disposable ear plugs, reusable ear
plugs ear muffs.
Noise accepted problem most industries and surprisingly there
has been very little control legislation.
Screen-based workstations are being used increasingly industrial and
commercial locations all types personnel.
If the distance only 1m, the noise level about 90dB. Typical methods of
protection include helmets, light duty scalp protectors called ‘bump caps’
and hairnets. Types eye
protectors include safety spectacles, safety goggles and face shields.
Where individuals must subjected some noise work, may be
reduced ear protectors. continuous exposure limit
of below 85dB for 8-hour working day recommended the code. The chosen ear protector must suited the user and
suitable for the type noise and individual personnel should trained in
its correct use. The vulnerable parts the body which
may need protection are the head, eyes, ears, lungs, torso, hands and feet
and, additionally, protection from falls may need considered.
Noise may defined any disagreeable undesirable sound sounds,
generally random nature, which not have clearly defined frequen-
cies.
It may possible engineer out some the noise, for example plac-
ing generator separate sound-proofed building. The Health and Safety Executive
have published ‘Code Practice’ and ‘Guidance Notes’ HSG for reduc-
ing the exposure employed persons noise. Objects
falling from height present the major hazard against which head pro-
tection provided.
A peak sound pressure above 200pascals about 120dB considered
unacceptable and 130dB the threshold pain for humans. Other hazards include striking the head against pro-
jections and hair becoming entangled machinery
