Noise
Noise from farm tools and machinery can cause permanent hearing loss. The damage can occur gradually over a number of years, and may remain unnoticed until it is too late. Some noises, such as gunshots, are so loud they can cause immediate permanent damage. Lost hearing is gone forever.
You may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels [dB(A)] that can cause permanent hearing loss. Typical farm noises that can damage hearing include:
tractor - 95-100 dB(A));
orchard sprayer - 85-100 dB(A);
chainsaw - 105-120 dB(A);
pig shed at feed-time - 95-105 dB(A); and
shotgun - over 140 decibels dB(A).
Your employer can reduce noise levels by isolating noisy machinery from employees not involved in its operation, enclosing it in a sound absorbing box or erecting sound absorbing barriers and by keeping machinery and equipment in good order so it operates efficiently.
If the noise cannot be removed at the source your employer should provide personal hearing protectors (earmuffs or earplugs) to increase protection or as a last resort, to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
 | | Earpieces for portable radios and music devices do not provide protection from noise. |
