PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR CATALOGUE - Flipbook - Page 46
POD EARPLUGS
Contoured for comfort and Class 3
for workplaces that require some
level of hearing for safety. Pod
earplugs provide a hygienic and
effective option.
Attenuation is the reduction in sound pressure level incident
upon the ear due to the application of a hearing protector
or, specifically, the change in hearing threshold level that
results when a hearing protector is worn.
How do I know when hearing protection
is required?
Have a workplace noise assessment done. Exposure to noise
levels above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing loss and
therefore hearing protection is required.
What is the “Safe Noise Threshold” ?
85 dB (A) – at this level and above appropriate hearing
protection MUST be worn.
What is Tinnitus?
Involuntary noises in the ear, such as ringing or hissing, often
associated with hearing loss.
How can I protect my hearing at work?
HEARING PROTECTION
REUSABLE EARPLUGS
Pre-moulded from washable silicone
to fit snuggly. Corded and uncorded
options are supplied in handy
resealable plastic case and
can be reused.
46
BANDED EARPLUGS
A convenient, easily inserted option
for those who are constantly in and
out of noisy areas.
METAL DETECTABLE EARPLUGS
Contain a metal tab in each plug
and a metalized cord that can
be detected if they accidentally
fall into processing lines.
The best method of preventing occupational deafness
is to reduce noise at the source by engineering methods.
However, in certain workplace conditions, there is very little
or nothing one can do to reduce noise at the source. In these
workplaces, workers must wear hearing protection to reduce
the amount of noise reaching the ears.
What should I know about the fit
of my hearing protection?
Follow manufacturers’ instructions. With ear plugs, for
example, the ear should be pulled outward and upward with
the opposite hand to enlarge and straighten the ear canal, and
insert the plug with clean hands. Ensure the hearing protector
tightly seals within the ear canal or against the side of the
head. Hair and clothing should not be in the way.
Can I “toughen up” my ears?
No. If you think you have grown used to a loud noise,
it probably has damaged your ears, and there is no treatment
- no medicine, no surgery, not even a hearing aid - that
completely restores your hearing once it is damaged by noise.
PA R A M O U N T S A F E T Y. C O M
The testing procedure can be separated into 2 different areas:
Exposure to sounds greater than 85 dB may cause hearing
loss. General estimates of some work-related noises are listed
in the chart below.
NOISE LEVEL EXAMPLES
CLASS SLC80DB
ALLOWABLE NOISE LEVEL
Ringing Telephone: 80dB
Loud Radio: 80dB
Busy Traffic: 80dB
Band Saws: 85dB
1
1
1
2
10 - 13
10 - 13
10 - 13
14 - 17
Less than 90dB
Less than 90dB
Less than 90dB
Less than 90dB
Power Lawn Mower: 90dB
Belt Sander: 93dB
Tractor: 96db
Electric Drill: 98dB
Bulldozer: 105dB
2
2
3
3
4
14 - 17
14 - 17
18 - 21
18 - 21
22 - 25
90 - 95dB
90 - 95dB
95 - 100dB
95 - 100dB
100 - 105dB
Blasting: 110dB
Nail Gun: 110dB
Chainsaw: 120dB
Propeller Aircraft: 120dB
Gun Shot: 130dB
Rivetting Hammers: 130dB
Jet Engine Aircraft: 140dB
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
26 - 36
26 - 36
26 - 36
26 - 36
26 - 36
26 - 36
26 - 36
110 - 115dB
110 - 115dB
115 - 120dB
115 - 120dB
125 - 130dB
125 - 130dB
135 - 140dB
PLEASE NOTE: This table is a general guide only and is not an absolute basis for noise levels selection
as some equipment may operate at different noise levels. Every worksite should be tested by OH&S.
How do I choose my hearing protection?
The choice of hearing protection depends on a number
of factors including level of noise, comfort, and the suitability
of the hearing protection for both the worker and the
environment. Most importantly, the hearing protection
should provide the desired noise reduction.
It is best where protection must be used, to provide a choice
of a number of different types of hearing protection. Each
hearing protection device is given a class rating from
1 to 5 to show the level of noise reduction achieved.
1) Mechanical Testing: Where the device is subjected
to physical forces, stretching, heating and concussion to simulate real wearing conditions over a period of time.
2) Audiometric Testing: This is a subjective test. A minimum
number of human test subjects are selected at random and
given a hearing test to establish if they fall into the category
of “normal hearing”, as outlined in the standard. The
attenuation of the HPD is determined by measuring each
subject’s hearing threshold with and without the HPD fitted.
The difference between these two thresholds is the so called
real ear attenuation of the HPD to a variety of frequencies.
In simplistic terms, from this data the mean real ear attenuation
and standard deviation (variation) at each frequency
is calculated. The mean minus standard deviation, when
subtracted from the band level gives the attenuation.
HPD are also given a class rating, as outlined below, once
the SLC80 rating is known, and refers to the level of noise
attenuation achieved by each device. The higher the rating,
the greater the efficiency of the hearing protection device.
CLASS
SLC80DB
1
10 to 13
FOR USE IN NOISE
less than 90dB(A)
2
14 to 17
90 to less than 95dB(A)
3
18 to 21
95 to less than 100dB(A)
4
22 to 25
100 to less than 105dB(A)
5
26 or greater
105 to less than 110dB(A)
The SLC80 is a rating only, by which in conjunction with the
information contained in the Australian/New Zealand Standard
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 Occupational Noise Management Hearing Protector, the problems of hearing loss due to noise
exposure for a given environment are addressed.
A deeper understanding of the SLC80 rating or how to apply
these ratings to your workplace can be obtained from the
OH&S authority in your State.
What are the common problems
of hearing protection?
If the noise exposure is intermittent, earmuffs are more
desirable, since it may be inconvenient to remove and
reinsert earplugs.
Studies have shown that one half of the workers wearing
hearing protectors receive one half or less of the noise
reduction potential of their protectors because these devices
are not worn continuously while in noise or because they
do not fit properly.
How is hearing protection tested
in Australia and New Zealand and
what standards apply?
The SOUND LEVEL CONVERSION (SLC80) rating as applied
to hearing protection devices (HPD) is a simple number and
class rating derived from a test procedure outlined in the
Australian/New Zealand Standard, AS/NZS 1270:2002.
A hearing protector that gives an average of 30 dB of noise
reduction if worn continuously during an eight hour work day
becomes equivalent to only 9 dB of protection if taken off for
one hour in the noise. This is because decibels are measured
on a logarithmic scale, and there is a ten fold increase
in noise energy for each 10 dB increase.
It provides a simple number guide to the level of noise
attenuation that can be expected from a particular HPD.
Because humans are different, the level of protection achieved
for each person could also be different and so a scientific
formula is used to allow for differences.
The SLC value includes a correction to ensure that the stated
degree of noise reduction is obtained on 80% of occasions.
Hence the SLC80 rating. The SLC80 rating is the difference
between the sound level of the environment in which the HPD
is worn and the sound level reaching the wearer’s ears.
How does hearing loss occur?
Permanent loss of hearing is the result of nerve destruction
or damage to the hair cells which transfer sound waves
within the ear.
Once these important parts of the hearing mechanism are
damaged or destroyed, they can never be regenerated,
resulting in slight to total hearing loss that is permanent.
PA R A M O U N T S A F E T Y. C O M
HEARING PROTECTION
DISPOSABLE EARPLUGS
Made from PU foam and are designed
to be compressed and then inserted
into the ear canal, where they expand
and seal against noise. These are
economical, designed for single use
and are available in uncorded and
corded options.
dB stands for Decibel, the unit of sound level and noise
exposure measurement.
When does noise become harmful
to your hearing?
SAFE AREA
EARMUFFS
Suppress unwanted noise
by completely covering the outer
ear. Our styles come with a variety
of features from adjustable headband
to hard hat attachments to suit
individual needs.
What is a dB and Attenuation?
RISK AREA
Research and development by Pro Choice
Safety Gear has resulted in hearing
protection devices that offer the most
effective protection available.
The types of hearing protection available
give you a choice.
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
HEARING
PROTECTION
HARMFUL RANGE
PRO CHOICE SAFETY GEAR
HEARING
PROTECTION
47
