Don't let hair, jewellery, glasses, or hats interfere with the seal. Hearing protection such as earmuffs and earplugs is the last line of defence against damage, so check:Įarmuffs should totally cover your ears, fit tightly and there are no gaps around the seals. If you have any ear trouble, let your employer know. Report any ear or hearing trouble straight away. Let your employer or safety representative know. Report any problems with your hearing protection or noise control devices straight away.
Your employer should tell you how to look after it – ask if you don't understand what you need to do. Taking it off even for a short while means that your hearing could still be damaged. Wear it properly (you should be trained how to do this), and wear it all the time you are doing noisy work, and when you are in hearing protection areas. Wear any hearing protection you are given. Use properly any noise control devices and follow any working methods that are put in place. Help your employer to do what is needed to protect your hearing.
There is no need for hearing to be damaged - under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 employers have a duty to protect workers and take steps to reduce the risk. Workers are also at risk if they have muffled hearing at the end of the day, even if it is better by the next morning.