ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Occupational Safety Discussion Earmuffs vs Earplugs?

spkjpr,
Me and my Dad were actually working on the same plant at the local Cheese Factory and there was a guy grinding Stainless, what a ( ) rackett!!.
I told him to get his ear-muffs on, he agreed!.
That was cool!.
But, spkjpr, it's just like the old "smoke-eaters" we had in the Fire Service before Breathing Apparatus was bought out, hear them cough and choke these days, those that are still alive!.

Rennsport,
Look, you only get one set of eyes and ears, and use them and protect them as best you can, because, if you are like my Dad he will live until 90, 40 of them years with ringing in his ears.
Is that quality of life?.

Trumpy,

Good Topic.

I wear ear protection when using the power actuated fastener guns (safety glasses too).

Thanks Mike,

Bill

Bill,
You use a Ram-set Gun too?.
The bare minimum here is a licence to operate one and the use of Earmuffs and Safety Glasses.
BTW, is there a requirement to call "Firing!!" before actually firing the tool?, there is here and those that don't are liable to a real stern telling off!.

Mike,

I once heard that training is required but I don't know where that came from or if it's true.

I'd always notify the people nearby that I'd be using the gun, especially in someones home, but not before every shot. Doesn't sound like a bad idea though.

Bill

Bill,
Only after you have worked directly above a guy using a Ramset gun on a ladder and I was working on a live 400V circuit and have a thing like this go off with no warning!.
This takes years off your life.

Trumpy,

the custom earplugs I have a 25db attenuation level. I could get more protection, but, I need to be able to hear my intercom and the the musician's plugs that I have filter out the road/wind noise which is the most harmful part of motorcycle riding.

Rennsport

I go for the ear muffs. I usually don't need protection all the time, just when using certain tools. The muffs are quick on and off, even when wearing gloves. I grab the tool, the muffs, and the glasses in one easy trip. I ALWAYS take muffs for me and the family when we go to the drag strip. The only problem is that the jet cars are so loud, nothing really helps. The noise just beats your whole body.

BECAREFUL when using Ear Muffs at the same time you are using Safety Glasses. Some Studies have shown up to a 60% reduction in the Noise Reduction Rating for certain muffs when used in conjunction with safety glasses. The problem is the seal around your ear canal can be greatly comprimised by the ear piece of the glasses. Just something to think about...the manufacturer of your muffs should be able to answer any questions.

Bryan,
That's a very good point that you make there.
I've experienced this before, with not being able to get a good "ear-seal" against the earmuff pads.
Usually, where I am required to wear safety glasses, I'll use ear-plugs instead.