Describe the hazard of 'blast noise' in explosives use.

The hazard of 'blast noise' in explosives use primarily concerns its potential to cause hearing damage to personnel and to disturb surrounding wildlife. When explosives are detonated, they generate intense sound waves that can reach levels far exceeding those considered safe for human hearing. Prolonged exposure to these high decibel levels can result in both temporary and permanent hearing loss for individuals nearby. Additionally, the loud noise created by explosions can disrupt the natural behavior of wildlife, leading to stress and displacement for animals in the vicinity.

Understanding this hazard is critical for safety professionals, as it underscores the importance of implementing proper hearing protection measures and conducting operations in a way that minimizes the impacts on both human occupants and wildlife. This awareness enables teams to develop strategies to mitigate these risks, ensuring a safer working environment and less environmental disruption.