Who writes them
Employers write the operating instructions on the basis of the risk assessment and the manufacturers’ information (section 9.1 of DGUV Rule 112-194). The manufacturer’s information, for EarProtect the user instructions, is on the product pages and under data sheets.
What belongs in them
The operating instructions must contain all information for the safe use of hearing protectors, in particular the following:
| Information | What it includes | More |
|---|---|---|
| Hazards at the workplace | Noise areas and levels from the risk assessment, possible effects on hearing | Noise risk assessment, noise areas |
| Putting in and taking out | How the hearing protection is put on or inserted correctly and removed again | How to insert earplugs correctly |
| Action on defects | What happens when defects are found, such as replacement and reporting | Care and storage |
| Effect of wearing time | Wear hearing protection for the whole noise exposure | Wearing time |
| Hygiene and infection protection | Cleaning, replacement, handling disposable products | Care and storage |
| Audibility of warning signals | Which signals must be audible with hearing protection and how this is checked | Hearing warning signals |
The rule’s sample and your own structure
A sample of operating instructions for hearing protection is printed in annex 6 of the rule, in German. For your own version the following structure can serve. It is a suggestion that follows the information in section 9.1 and does not replace the sample in the rule.
- Header: company, area or task, date, responsible person
- Scope: noise areas and tasks the instructions apply to
- Hazards to people and hearing from the risk assessment
- Which hearing protection applies where, and when it is worn
- Putting in and taking out, checking the fit
- Action on defects and on ear complaints
- Hygiene, cleaning, replacement
- Audibility of warning signals and communication
- Contacts, date and signature
Operating instructions and training
The rule treats the two separately. Training (section 9.2) takes place before first use, then when needed and at least once a year. Because hearing protection is category III PPE, it includes practical exercises, for example inserting mouldable earplugs and insertion depth, helmet-earmuff combinations, the effect of glasses on leakage, and communication and warning-signal tests. A template is under Hearing protection training.
It makes sense to review and adapt the operating instructions when the workplace, the hearing protection or the risk assessment change.
Frequently asked questions
Who writes the operating instructions for hearing protection?
Employers, on the basis of the risk assessment and the manufacturers’ information (DGUV Rule 112-194, section 9.1).
What must be in the operating instructions?
All information for safe use, in particular hazards at the workplace, putting in and taking out, action on defects, the effect of wearing time, hygiene and infection protection, and the audibility of warning signals.
Is there a sample for the operating instructions?
Yes. A sample is printed in annex 6 of DGUV Rule 112-194.
Do operating instructions replace training?
No. Training takes place before first use and at least once a year, with practical exercises and documentation (section 9.2).