Hearing Protection For Miners
Mining has always been an arduous task, both underground and on the surface. NIOSH estimates that 80% of US miners go to work in an environment where the noise exceeds 85 decibels (dB), and that 25% of these are exposed to an environment that exceeds 90 dB. The major noise hazard in mining today is the pneumatic percussion drill. Impact from the drill bit, mechanical vibration from the drill casing and impulse noise from the exhaust generate the noise.
Miners Need Ear Protection!
Ancillary equipment from fans and blowers for ventilation is a considerable noise generator as well, and this noise is in the low frequency range. Additional low frequency noise comes from diesel powered load handlers and haulage equipment.
Low Frequency Noise
Low frequency noise is not easily eliminated with traditional passive hearing protection devices. Low frequency noise waves are long and carry great distances. They can penetrate passive barriers like foam earcups or even cement walls (which is why you can hear the bass of your neighbor's stereo).
|
Mining Noise Sources |
dB Level |
|
Cutting machines |
83–93 |
|
Locomotives (electrical) |
85–95 |
|
Haulage truck |
90–100 |
|
Loaders |
95–100 |
|
Long-wall shearers |
96–101 |
|
Chain conveyors |
97–100 |
|
Continuous miners |
97–103 |
|
Loader-dumper |
97–102 |
|
Fans |
90–110 |
|
Pneumatic percussion tools |
114–120 |
Get the BEST Ear Protection For Miners Available
The NoiseBuster Active Noise Reduction (ANR) Earmuff is the only hearing protection device to combine a passive noise-blocking earmuff with ANR. ANR is the coupling of a noise wave with its exact mirror image wave to cancel the noise. This is the most effective method to combat low-frequency noise. The passive component of the NoiseBuster ANR Earmuff provides superior attenuation of mid- and high-frequency noise, thereby providing the best hearing protection.
