1.1 Seafarers should be instructed in the hazards
of high and long duration noise exposures and the risk of noise-induced
hearing loss. Instruction should be given to all seafarers on initial
employment and periodically thereafter to those regularly working
in spaces with noise levels in excess of 85 dB(A). Instruction in
the provisions of the Code should include:
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.1 noise exposure limits and the use of warning
notices;
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.2 the types of hearing protectors provided, their
approximate attenuation and their proper use, fitting, and the effects
on normal communications when first wearing such protection;
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.3 company policies and procedures related to
hearing protection and where appropriate any monitoring programme
which may be available for seafarers working in spaces covered by
warning notices; and
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.4 guidance on the possible signs of hearing loss
such as ringing in the ear, dead ear, or fullness in the ear and mitigating
techniques to be effected when those signs occur.
1.2 Appropriate seafarers should receive such
instruction as is necessary in the correct use and maintenance of
machinery and silencers or attenuators in order to avoid the production
of unnecessary noise.