You need to weld in a noisy environment. How can you protect your hearing and still get the job done?

2 Wear the right hearing protection

The second step is to choose and wear the appropriate hearing protection devices (HPDs) for your situation. There are different types of HPDs, such as earplugs, earmuffs, and noise-canceling headphones, that can reduce the noise exposure by various amounts. You should select the HPDs that fit your ears, comfort, and noise reduction needs. You should also check the noise reduction rating (NRR) of the HPDs, which indicates how much they can lower the noise level in decibels. For example, if you are exposed to 95 dB of noise and you wear HPDs with an NRR of 25, your effective noise exposure will be 70 dB.

3 Follow the proper welding procedures

The third step is to follow the correct welding techniques and procedures to minimize the noise generation and exposure. Some of the factors that can affect the noise level are the type of welding process, the current and voltage settings, the electrode size and material, the arc length and angle, the workpiece thickness and shape, and the shielding gas flow rate. You should consult the welding manuals and guidelines for your specific equipment and materials to optimize these factors and reduce the noise output. You should also avoid unnecessary welding operations, such as tack welding or spot welding, that can create loud and sudden noises.

4 Maintain your equipment and tools

The fourth step is to keep your welding equipment and tools in good working condition and perform regular maintenance and repairs. Worn-out or damaged parts, such as electrodes, nozzles, hoses, cables, clamps, and connectors, can increase the noise level and compromise the welding quality and safety. You should inspect your equipment and tools before each use and replace or fix any faulty components. You should also clean and lubricate your equipment and tools regularly to prevent rust, corrosion, and friction that can cause noise and performance issues.

5 Control the noise in your environment

The fifth step is to control the noise in your environment by using engineering and administrative measures. Engineering measures are physical changes or modifications that can reduce or block the noise transmission, such as installing sound barriers, absorbers, or enclosures around the noise sources, isolating or relocating the noisy equipment or activities, or using quieter or low-noise alternatives. Administrative measures are policies or rules that can limit the noise exposure, such as scheduling the noisy tasks at different times or locations, rotating the workers among different tasks, or providing training and education on noise hazards and prevention.

6 Monitor your hearing health

The sixth and final step is to monitor your hearing health and seek medical attention if you notice any signs or symptoms of hearing loss or damage. Some of the common signs and symptoms are ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus), difficulty hearing or understanding speech, especially in noisy situations, muffled or distorted sounds, ear pain or discomfort, or changes in your hearing threshold or sensitivity. You should have your hearing tested regularly by a qualified audiologist or occupational health professional and follow their recommendations for treatment or prevention. You should also report any hearing problems or concerns to your employer or supervisor and request a hearing conservation program if needed.