As a technical worker or labourer in any industrial sector, you will know how inevitable PPE kits, gloves, goggles and earmuffs are. Without the appropriate safety gear, your body can get subjected to physical damage, and, in most cases, it could be hearing loss. Around 1.3 million Australians live with hearing loss or a related condition, which could have been prevented. Work environments can turn pretty noisy due to heavy-end equipment working or a machine blast, making labourers highly vulnerable to hearing loss. Amidst several hearing protectors, earplugs have become desirable, popular among workers in recent times.
The Many Benefits Of Protective Plugs
More than 9 lakh Australians are engaged in the manufacturing sector. And there are numerous reasons why workers today prefer plugs to earmuffs. Any sound beyond 80dB is typically harmful when heard for a prolonged period. On that note, most hearing protectors cover the ear and the outer cup so that such sounds do not cause much damage to your ear canal.
On the flip side, earplugs are designed in such a way so that they directly fit into your ear canal and offer maximum protection during intense sound ranges. Here is a list of some best benefits of protective plugs,
1. An all-season protector
As a front-line worker in the manufacturing industry, you will need to consider your safety and, that’s why you will need a pair of protective plugs in your kit. However, that does not mean that you can compromise on your comfort. Most hearing protectors cover the entire ear, some even extend the coverage onto the head. Such earmuffs and helmets can turn annoying during summers. With the hot scorching sun above, working with a pinching earmuff can cause heat to build up. Thus, in warmer environments and prolonged working conditions, plugs come to the rescue.
2. Easy to carry
Another added benefit of protective plugs is that they are remarkably lightweight. As a result, they require very little care and maintenance, thus putting your attention to work! This makes plugs easy to carry. And in places where you need protection, you can simply take with you a pair of plugs in your pocket, use them if wanted. Luckily, most hearing plugs are custom-made. So you can design them as per your requirements.
On the bottom line, carrying them or protecting a pair of plugs isn’t as arduous as accommodating an earmuff in your bag, which can be unmanageable.
3. Tailored for specific needs
Plugs are HPDs that come in a variety of types. They can be disposable, which means they serve a one-time use. Most plugs are reusable so that they can aid in long term uses without jeopardising comfort and protectiveness. Reusable plugs are often washable and do not take up dust during high-end manufacturing areas. With the varied size they are available at, one need not worry about the fit. Moulded protective plugs come in three sizes, small, medium and large. Sometimes, you may realise you require two different sizes for either ear and, fortunately, earplugs can extend to coming in custom, moulded size ranges!
4. A team player
HPDs are not the ultimate protective gear you will need as a worker in the manufacturing industry. A complete PPE kit can be pretty necessary in most cases. On that note, always remember that earplugs take the upper hand to earmuffs. It’s so because they do not interfere with other protective wear. Be it your full coverage helmet or safety eye goggles, you can wear all of it with a pair of HPD plug with the utmost comfort! On the bottom line, protective plugs are relatively inexpensive, add comfort and better protection against the impacts of loud noises.