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Hi As you state yourself the decision about reasonableness is down to HR and if taken to tribunal then theirs. OH cant give an opinion due to not being the controllers of HR policy, OH need to state if the employee needs the equipment to do his job or not. Anna ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jacqui" <[log in to unmask]> To: <[log in to unmask]> Sent: Monday, June 30, 2014 9:56 PM Subject: [OCC-HEALTH] Reasonable adjustment-firefighter Hi-. sorry this seems like war and peace...I was faced with an interesting question today by a fire fighter.We were discussing hearing, they have to have a particular level of hearing for fitness standards- I'll be honest as these medicals are done by external OHP I have not been too concerned with them. The question raised-if an aid is required to reach said hearing standard- could it be expected that employer meet the cost? As hearing loss may be disability under Eq act ( his words not mine!) I argued if aid needed in day to day life why should employer pay? he said manages without but needs for work to meet std. The example was quoted of prescription safety specs... They are paid for by employer at this company but goggles could be an option however compliance was low - opinions sought from the fraternity of OH knowledge....I know it is legal decision but I am seeking advice of other OH professionals on their take on eq act and cost of aid for work... In addition I'm about to embark on health surveillance for nihl for fire changers ppotentially very high dB exposures (not including the super loud "nee naws"in the confined garage!) greater than 120dB potentially ..currently wearing nothing so they can hear radios- do other fire crews have potential for this level of noise exposure and what do they use for PPE? The helmets are modern type- like Wallace wears (as in...and grommet) with visor and it covers ear so muffs impossible -plugs available are not enough- approx 30snr apparently take out radio..but don't reduce enough when exposure is over 115db - manager unable to find snr level of helmet so asked OH for advice! as always all advice gratefully accepted! Everyday's a school day! Jacqui Sent from my iPhone ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH ******************************** Please remove this footer before replying. OCC-HEALTH ARCHIVES: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/lists/occ-health.html CONFERENCES AND STUDY DAYS: http://www.jiscmail.ac.uk/cgi-bin/filearea.cgi?LMGT1=OCC-HEALTH