Noise and Hearing Protection
When operating heavy equipment, such as construction machinery or industrial vehicles, it is important to use hearing protection to prevent potential hearing damage caused by prolonged exposure to loud noises.
Heavy equipment with enclosed cabs provides adequate hearing protection.
Key engineering controls and safe work practices to protect against the hazards associated with excessive noise include:
- Use heavy equipment with enclosed, temperature-controlled cabs when available.
- Place generators, compressors, and other noisy equipment at a distance or behind a barrier when possible.
- Use hearing protection when working around potential noise sources and when noise levels exceed 90 dBA. Generally, if you cannot hold a conversation in a normal speaking voice with a person who is standing at arm's length (approximately 3 feet), the noise level may exceed 90 dBA.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
3-6. What is an engineering control/safe work practice that helps to protect against excessive noise hazards?
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