HEARING PROTECTION INFORMATION Levels of Protection Physical Agents (Noise) Directive - 2003/10/ECA SNR (Standard Noise Reduction) Noise Meters Ear Muffs Electronic Hearing Protection Helmet Mounted Ear Muffs This Directive is now in place and became law in early 2006. It requires that persons working in noise levels between 80dBA (Lower Action Level) & 85dBA must be provided with suitable hearing protection on request. Where noise levels are at or above 85dBA (Upper Action Level, suitable hearing protection MUST BE SUPPLIED AND WORN. In addition, the new “Exposure Limit Value” requires that no worker may be exposed to more than “87dBA 8 Hour Equivalent” under any circumstances, taking into account any hearing protection worn, (the 87dBA level is that INSIDE the Hearing Protector). There are also new “Action Values” for IMPACT NOISE and the requirement for Risk Assessments in the workplace is reinforced by Article 4 of the new Directive. SNR (Standard Noise Reduction) is only a general means of comparing different ear muffs. Generally the higher the SNR number, the better the performance of the ear muff across a range of noise frequencies. Example: a SNR of 30 may not give a 30 decibel attenuation at all frequencies. The figures associated with H, M and L indicate the level of protection within the range of High, Medium or Low frequency noise. Examples: For the wearer of an ear muff where H=35 a high frequency noise of 100 decibels will drop to 65 decibels. Wearing the same ear muff, where M=25, a medium frequency noise of 100 decibels will drop to 75 decibels. As part of risk assessment, noise meter readings should be taken by a competent person to monitor sound level. The latest in sound technology - hearing protectors which amplify weak sounds while attenuating loud noises. Popular with safety officers, head and ear protection in one. Today’s models are styled to be sensibly ‘parked’ when not in use. A traditional method of ear protection. Today’s range of muffs cope with a very wide spectrum of industrial hazards. It is important to study the attenuation characteristics of each model as they do vary in performance across the range of sound frequency. 225
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