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Selection

               The employer must consider several factors while selecting personal hearing protection,
               including:


               •  Suitable for the job.
               •  Hearing protections should provide adequate protection. Check
                  the manufacturer's literature.
               •  Compatible with other required personal protective equipment,
                  or communication devices.
               •  Comfortable enough to be accepted and worn.
               •  Appropriate for the temperature and humidity in the workplace.

               •  Able to provide adequate communication and audibility needs
                  (e.g., the ability to hear alarms or warning sounds).


               Maintenance


               The employer have a duty to maintain hearing protection so that it works effectively. Factors that
               affect the level of protection, such as the headband tension and the condition of seals, should be
               checked as part of your system of maintenance.

               Employees have a duty to report any defects in hearing protection. This duty should be
               explained to them, as well as how to identify defects, as part of their training.


               The training must be focused on the following:

               •  Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
               •  Check hearing protection regularly for wear and tear.

               •  Replace ear cushions or plugs that are no longer pliable.
               •  Replace a unit when head bands are so stretched that they do not keep ear cushions snugly
                  against the head.
               •  Disassemble earmuffs to clean.
               •  Wash earmuffs with a mild liquid detergent in warm water, and then rinse in clear warm
                  water. Ensure that the sound-attenuating material inside the ear cushions does not get wet.
               •  Use a soft brush to remove skin oil and dirt that can harden ear cushions.

               •  Squeeze excess moisture from the plugs or cushions and then place them on a clean surface
                  to air dry. (Check the manufacturer's recommendations first to find out if the ear plugs are
                  washable.)


               Attenuation

               Information on the levels of noise reduction (attenuation) associated with ear protectors
               provided by the manufacturer of the product. The type of information includes:









                 POSHE V2 |                                                                                                                  Unit IG2 – Element 5 – Physical and Psychological   10
                  Health
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