OPERATING A GENERATOR?
TAKE CARE TO PROTECT YOUR HEARING!
Loud sounds, excessive noise, and vibration can cause hearing loss. Generator engines, which not only make a lot of noise but also vibrate, could damage your hearing.
The louder a sound is, and the longer you listen to it, the more harmful it can be.
- Buy quieter equipment. (Most generators are labeled with a decibel rating.)
- Keep portable generators as far away as possible from the home, work areas, and gathering spaces. At least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Wear hearing protection such as earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones
- Take breaks when operating loud equipment.
Being around too much loud noise can make you lose your hearing—and once it’s gone, you can’t get it back. But always remember: hearing loss is preventable!
Visit www.cdc.gov/nceh/hearing_loss/ to learn more.
