Hearing Protection

[DTWFO]

I'm just curious if any of you guys that work for regional airlines have access to earplugs or some type of hearing protection while on the job? My employer is currently not providing them and I wanted to know if anyone is aware if this is required by any OSHA regulations?? Any help would be appreciated......Thanks!

 

[JediNein]

Depends on your position.

The ramp agents, gate agents, and other ground pounders with ramp access are to be provided hearing protection by the company. In AA's case it was muff-type hearing protectors.

Unionized employees have a contract which may shift the burden of hearing protection onto the employee. (Only heard of this happening with the now MESA CAUSED defunct West Air)

In any case I recommend EAR or another brand with a minimum NPR of 25. Get the ones that are on a string and have a carrying case as the plugs will do engine damage if blowing around on the ramp. If your company won't provide it, you owe it to yourself to provide it.

Fly SAFE!
Jedi Nein
former ground pounder

 

[saabcaptain]

My carrier does but the supply often runs out for weeks at a time. Based on materials they provided the only workers who meet OSHA requirments for manadatory hearing protection are rampers, some Ops agents but not FAs or flight crew because we are not on the ramp enough in terms of percentage of time to qualify. I would say you should buy a nice set of ear plugs on the plastic loop to hang around your neck while on the ramp and a pair of ANR headsets for the cockpit.