Exposure to high levels of noise can lead to damaging hearing capability or to tinnitus (ringing, whistling, buzzing or humming in the ears), a distressing condition which can lead to disturbed sleep.  

Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. The damage can be caused in several ways. Permanent hearing damage can be caused immediately by sudden, extremely loud, explosive noises such as guns or cartridge-operated machines.  However, hearing loss is usually gradual because of prolonged exposure to noise from sources such as powered tools or machinery for over half an hour a day or impact or explosion noises. The hearing of young people can be damaged as easily as that of older people.

This message reminds site operatives to wear ear defenders when carrying out tasks which will generate high levels of noise.

The exposure to noise at work is regulated by The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

The labels may be stuck onto the side of the tool itself if the size and shape of the tool is adequate.  Alternatively, they may be fastened onto the tool as a tag.

Messages should be printed on laminated synthetic labels with an extra strong permanent adhesive backing to ensure long term adhesion. Alternatively, they may be printed as synthetic durable tags.