Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 (Act No. 85 of 1993)RegulationsNoise Exposure Regulations, 202412. Hearing protective devices |
| (1) | Where it is not reasonably practicable to ensure that the exposure of an employee to noise is either eliminated or controlled, the employer must provide the employee with suitable HPDs. |
| (2) | Where HPDs are provided, an employer must ensure that HPDs— |
| (a) | reduce exposure to noise to below the— |
| (i) | noise-rating limit; or |
| (ii) | noise action level where there is concomitant exposure to ototoxic chemical agents and/or whole-body vibration; |
| (b) | are correctly selected, fitted and properly used, taking into consideration— |
| (i) | the nature and characteristics of the noise as contemplated in subregulation (2)(a); |
| (ii) | the type of work to be done; |
| (iii) | the physical effort required to do the work; |
| (iv) | the length of time it will have to be worn; |
| (v) | the requirements in relation to the work for visibility, comfort and employee communication; |
| (vi) | compatibility with any other personal protective equipment that may be needed; and |
| (vii) | any recommendations made by the occupational health practitioner; |
| (c) | are kept in good condition and efficient working order; and |
| (d) | are readily available to exposed persons. |
| (3) | The employer must— |
| (a) | ensure reusable HPDs are kept in hygienic condition and efficient working order; |
| (b) | provide separate containers or storage facilities for HPDs when not in use; and |
| (c) | ensure that all HPDs not in use, are stored only in the place provided for it. |
| (4) | Subregulations (1), (2) and (3) also apply to persons other than employees who may be exposed to noise. |