When is double hearing protection required?

Double hearing protection is required for continuous noises greater than 104 dBA. This threshold is established based on guidelines that aim to prevent hearing loss in environments where sound levels can pose a significant risk to auditory health. Continuous exposure to sound levels above this decibel level can lead to permanent damage to hearing structures, making the use of dual forms of protection essential.

In high-noise environments, single hearing protection may not sufficiently attenuate the sound, especially if the noise is both loud and persistent. Double hearing protection typically involves the use of earplugs in combination with earmuffs, providing a greater reduction in noise exposure and ensuring a safer working environment for personnel.

The other options present different thresholds or imply broader requirements, which do not align with the established safety standards. For instance, while the impacts of peak noise levels over 140 dBA are significant, the requirement for double protection specifically pertains to more continuous sounds at 104 dBA.