4.6 HEARING PROTECTION

Wearing earmuffs or earplugs has been an integral part of safety equipment for many years.

There is a National Code of Practice relating to Noise Exposure. In some states it is compulsory for all employees exposed to any noise greater than 85 DB(A) to wear hearing protection.

NOISE HAZARD AREAS have been defined by noise surveys and have signs erected with approved warning signs. In addition, any person using noisy plant or equipment, compressed air or any portable equipment. I.e. air spears, jackhammers air chisels or the like must wear correct hearing protection.

As a rule, if you need to raise your voice at 30 cm or need to shout to be heard at one meter then it is too noisy. If in doubt wear hearing protection.

4.7 GLOVES

Gloves are like a second layer of skin, protecting you against chemicals, rough surfaces, sharp objects and heat or cold.

• Gloves are supplied for the protection of your hands and should be worn when appropriate.
• Don't use gloves that are badly torn or excessively oily.
• Gloves should be worn to prevent hand injuries.
• Gloves should be worn to prevent small hand lacerations becoming infected.
• Always carry a pair of gloves so that you will have them when needed.
• Always use gloves when handling timber, vent pipe, rubbish, broken rock and any other material where there is a danger of injury or infection.
• Gloves if used will minimise small injuries.
• When gloves become damaged or worn out they should be returned to the storeperson and a new pair requested.
• Time lost in using gloves is money saved in accident prevention.
• Rubber gloves to be used in wet conditions. Leather gloves to be worn for any manual labour.