www.arborage.com ARBOR AGE n SPRING 2015 15
TRAINING & EDUCATION
HUH? WHAT'S THAT YOU SAY?
The standard requires that hearing protection be used when
work site noise levels reach or exceed an eight hour average of
85 decibels. A better guideline, and one that's much easier to
keep track of, is that when loud stuff is running (chippers, chain
saws, stump grinders, and some trucks) the muffs are on or the
plugs are in. Many hard hats and helmets have muffs integrated
into them for ease of use in fi eld situations; and many tree care
workers choose to use plugs with muffs over them for additional
protection — though this is certainly not required. Earplug users,
especially those using the disposable foam type, should keep in
mind that those are intended for only short-term use, and that
whatever noxious substances are on the fi ngers will soon be in the
ears, which personal experience has shown can lead to some nasty
ear fungus development.
Personal protective equipment is not going to positively
guarantee that every crew member goes home with every
piece and part they started the day with, but it goes a long
way toward making that outcome much more likely. The use
of required PPE, coupled with safe, efficient work practices,
can make all tree crews safer; and its modern materials and
manufacturing can make them more comfortable at the
same time.
Michael "House" Tain is a contract climber, splicer, educator
and writer associated with North American Training Solutions
www.northamericantrainingsolutions.com and Arbor Canada
Training and Education www.arborcanada.com. He is currently
located in Lancaster, Ky., and can be reached via e-mail at
house@houseoftain.com.
Personal protective equipment is not
going to positively guarantee that
every crew member goes home with
every piece and part they started
the day with, but it goes a long way
toward making that outcome much
more likely.
