Employee(s) will be given the opportunity to select hearing protective devices from a variety of suitable ones provided by the Office of Health and Safety. In all cases the chosen hearing protectors shall have a Noise Reduction Ratio (NRR) high enough to reduce the noise at the ear drum to 80 dBA or lower.
The issuance of hearing protective devices is handled through the Safety and Health Manager. The Safety and Health Manager will issue and fit the initial hearing protective devices (foam inserts, disposables). Instruction on the proper use and care of earplugs and earmuffs will be provided whenever HPDs (hearing protective devices) are dispensed. Personnel requiring earmuffs in addition to earplugs will be informed of this requirement and educated on the importance of using proper hearing protection. The Safety and Health Manager will dispense ear muffs when necessary and will maintain a supply of disposable earplugs.
Always use and maintain HPDs as originally intended and in accordance with instructions provided.
Earmuff performance may be degraded by anything that compromises the cushion-to-circumaural flesh seal. This includes other pieces of personal protective equipment such as eyewear, masks, face shields, and helmets.
Reusable earplugs, such as the triple flange or formable devices should be washed in lukewarm water using hand soap, rinsed in clean water, and dried thoroughly before use. Wet or damp earplugs should not be placed in their containers. Cleaning should be done as needed.
Earmuff cushions should be kept clean. The plastic or foam cushions may be cleaned in the same way as earplugs, but the inside of the muff should not get wet. When not n use, ear muffs should be placed in open air to allow moisture that may have been absorbed into the cups to evaporate.
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