| Safety cannot be overemphasized in power tool | | | | a set of earplugs or earmuffs will give you an |
| operation, and protection against hearing loss | | | | idea of how much protection is afforded as |
| during prolonged exposure to a noisy environment | | | | compared to other models, with a higher NRR |
| is no exception. Since the symptoms of | | | | reflecting a greater reduction in noise. |
| noise-induced hearing loss are usually not | | | | Safety precautions are so important to |
| immediately apparent, many do not consider | | | | preserving your hearing that the United States |
| hearing protection to be an essential safety | | | | Occupational Safety and Health Administration |
| precaution when working with power tools. | | | | (OSHA) requires that ear protection be used in |
| Repeated exposure to high levels of noise for | | | | the construction industry when noise levels |
| extended periods of time can cause irreversible | | | | exceed certain levels for specified periods of time. |
| hearing damage, so taking the proper precautions | | | | Longer periods of exposure lower the noise levels |
| when working with noisy power tools can help | | | | that are permitted without a hearing protection |
| protect against future hearing loss. | | | | requirement. For instance, a hearing conservation |
| While hearing protection may not be necessary | | | | program is required for workplaces with noise |
| while using all electrical power tools, some tools | | | | levels of 90 dBA for 8 hours per day, with the |
| can be particularly loud when used at close ranges. | | | | same requirement in place if noise levels reach 115 |
| Ear protection should be considered not only when | | | | dBA for just 15 minutes per day. |
| operating these tools, but also when working in | | | | For the complete table of acceptable noise |
| close proximity to others who are operating | | | | exposure in the construction industry, check out |
| them. Foam ear plugs and heavier duty protective | | | | the Permissible Noise Exposures table in the |
| earmuffs are inexpensive, widely available and | | | | Safety and Health Regulations for Construction |
| easy to use. The Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of | | | | section available on the OSHA website. |