If you are unsure or uncomfortable with the noise level, use hearing protection. Consider whether:

• You can clearly hear a person speaking in a normal voice at a distance of 2m. If not, then hearing protection is required.

• Noisy processes have to be carried out in the general work area, or whether they could be moved to dedicated sound proofed areas.

• Signs are displayed indicating the mandatory use of hearing protection.

• PPE should be considered the lowest level of control. Noise should be controlled at source, either by employing a quieter process/method, or isolation using acoustic barriers.