Page 23 - 2025 - Q1 - Minerva in Focus

MINERVA IN FOCUS Stay Safe

The preferred method for reducing noise exposure is to
limit exposure and minimise the noise generated by ma- Recommendations
chinery or activities. However, this is not always possible.
When exposure to elevated noise levels is unavoidable, for seafarers
personal hearing protection should be used.
to protect their
Hearing protection should be the last resort when no other
reasonable measures can reduce noise exposure. Ship- hearing
owners and operators must identify high-noise working
spaces, such as machinery spaces, cargo pump rooms,
funnel exhaust rooms, and steering gear rooms, as well
as noisy work activities, including chipping and scaling Always wear the provided hearing protec-
on deck. Appropriate signage should be installed to warn tion in required areas. If hearing protection
personnel that they are entering a high-noise area. is removed, even for a short period of time,
the overall protection provided is reduced
Noise levels above 80 dB(A) require mitigation efforts, considerably.
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and hearing protection is mandatory at 85 dB(A) and
above. The installation and use of temporary equipment Before use, ensure the hearing protection
can also increase noise levels. The effects of noise should is in good condition, free of unofficial mod-
be considered in onboard risk assessments and mitigated ifications, and clean. Report any damage
as necessary. or defect immediately.

All hearing protection equipment must comply with ap- Follow the instructions for the proper use
proved standards. In Europe, for example, the most com- of the protection. For example, when in-
monly adopted standard is EN 352. Factors to consider serting ear plugs, gently pull your outer ear
when choosing appropriate hearing protection include backwards to better align the ear canal for
maximum noise level experienced, frequency of exposure, more effective insertion.
work activity, and even personal preference. Experience
shows that uncomfortable PPE will not be worn as often Confirm that the hearing protection fits
as it should be. properly. Everyone is different, but many
hearing protection devices are standardised
The goal of hearing protection is to lower the noise levels and mass-produced. If the equipment is
experienced to 80 dB or below. Over-protection, reduc- unsuitable, seek guidance from your ship’s
ing noise to 65–70 dB or lower, can be dangerous as it manager.
impairs the ability to hear communications and alarms,
leading to the removal of protection and exposure to Keep your hearing protection clean and
harmful noise levels. maintained according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
The hearing protection selected will be rated to show
the expected attenuation. Different regions have differ-
ent classifications; for example, the USA uses a Noise
Reduction Rating (NRR). Understanding the standard
for the area of operation and ensuring compliance when
purchasing protective devices is important.
Irreparable hearing damage can affect people of all ages.
Protecting your hearing is crucial, and proper use of hear-
ing protection is an effective way to reduce the risk. The
provision and wearing of hearing protection is one method
of reducing the chances of hearing damage, if donned
properly. Familiarise yourself with your hearing protection,
and don’t hesitate to ask questions if you are unsure.

1 Decibels, with a-weighting, are used to measure
average noise levels. Note that decibels are
a logarithmic scale, with an increase of 3 dB
resulting in a doubling of the sound pressure within
the ear.

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