Northrock Safety PPE Catalogue 2020

Loud noise in the workplace can be very damaging to hearing and it usually happens gradually so workers may not be aware of the dangers until they have already developed permanent hearing loss. In addition to gradual hearing loss, hearing loss can also result from sudden and extremely loud noises (peak sounds). Hearing Protection

EN 352-1: 2002 Hearing Protectors - Ear Mu s EN 352-2: 2002 Hearing Protectors - Ear Plugs EN 352-3: 2002 Hearing Protectors - Helmet Mounted Ear Mu s EN 352-4: 2002 Hearing Protectors - Level Dependent Ear Mu s EN 352-8: 2002 Earmu s with Entertainment Radio

The PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 has a risk approach which de nes harmful noise as a risk that may cause very serious hearing injuries. As a result, the Regulation has recategorized hearing protection from Category 2 Risk PPE (Intermediate) to Category 3 Risk (Complex).

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 The Noise Regulation 2005 requires employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work. It asks to take speci c actions and de nes action levels and limit values of exposure to noise:

Daily / Weekly average exposure to noise

Peak Sound pressure

All these standards establish requirements with regards to the manufacture, design, performances and test methods.

LOWER EXPOSURE ACTION VALUES

80dB

135dB

• SNR (Single Number Rating): Single average value of attenuation.

UPPER EXPOSURE ACTION VALUES

85dB

137dB

LEVELS OF NOISE EXPOSURE THAT MUST NEVER BE EXCEEDED

87dB

140db

HML : Attenuation values expressed in terms of average levels of frequencies: H : Attenuation of PPE at high frequencies (pitched noises). M : Attenuation of PPE at medium frequencies. L : Attenuation of PPE at low frequencies (bass sounds).

How To Protect Yourself? 4 Steps To Choose The Appropriate Hearing Protection. 1. Identify the nature of the noise: stable, uctuating, intermittent or pulse. 2. Measure the noise at the working station: intensity (dB) and volume (Hz). 3. Determine the exposure time. 4. Calculate the required attenuation needed. The attenuation level o ered by the hearing protector should bring the noise to a level that is not harmful to health whilst avoiding over-protection which would isolate the worker.

Do You Value Your Hearing?

20dB

ANSI S3.19 1974 American National Standard - Methods for Hearing Protection Measurement This standard speci es the test method for determining the level of noise attenuation (NRR Noise Reduction Rating) of the hearing protection, as recommended by the EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency).

Whisper

30dB

WatchTicking

40dB

Rainfall

50dB

Quiet Street

QUIET NOISE

60dB

Conversation

70dB

VacuumCleaner

80dB

Passing Car

90dB

PassingTruck, PowerTools, Lawnmower

AS/NZS 1270 2004 Australian and New Zealand standard for Hearing Protectors Devices. This standard speci es the attenuation o ered by a hearing protection device through Sound Level Conversion (SLC80).

Pneumatic Drill,Tractor, Chainsaw

100dB

Pneumatic Drill,Tractor, Chainsaw, Leaf Blower

110dB

THRESHOLD OF PAIN

120dB

Ambulance, Jack Hammer

130dB

Jet Plane

638

DANGEROUS NOISE