Hearing Protection
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- Hearing protection is required in construction when noise exceeds 90 dBA as an 8-hour TWA. In general industry, a hearing conservation program begins at the 85 dBA action level.
- Hearing loss from noise is permanent and irreversible. By the time you notice it, significant damage has already occurred.
- The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) on the package is tested in a lab. In practice, subtract 7 from the NRR and divide by 2 to estimate real-world protection.
- Foam earplugs must be rolled tightly, inserted deep into the ear canal, and held until they expand. Poorly inserted plugs can reduce protection by 50% or more.
- If you have to shout to be heard by someone 3 feet away, the noise level is likely above 85 dBA and you should be wearing hearing protection.
Ask the crew
Can you hear normal conversation right now without raising your voice — or are we in an area where hearing protection should be worn?
Standards this talk is built on
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
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Sign-in sheet
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| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
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