Noise-induced hearing loss is a common occupational hazard caused by insufficient ear protection from high noise levels. Permanent workplace noise pollution can also cause stress, loss of productivity, and inability to concentrate. Bramhope Health & Safety offers a range of hearing protection products suited for different workplace noise hazards. Proper hearing protection is required above 85 dB noise exposure and should lower noise levels to 70-80 dB for the wearer. Common hearing protection options include earmuffs that cover and seal around the ears, and earplugs that are inserted into the ear canal.

1. HEALTH & SAFETY
Noise-induced hearing loss is one the most common occupational
hazards, and the health risk caused by insufficient ear protection is
often recognised too late (ringing, whistling, buzzing in the ears,
disturbed sleep).
In addition, permanent noise pollution in the workplace creates
stress and may result in a loss in productivity and ability to
concentrate.
Bramhope Health & Safety’s vast range of products provides solutions
that are adapted to your specific workplace noise hazards.
BUYING GUIDE
Sound levels
The objective when choosing suitable hearing protection is to
achieve an effective residual noise level of between 70 dB and 80
dB for the wearer. To do so, we can use the SNR method:
Noise Level – SNR value of the ear protector
Example: Noise level 100 dB – SNR 26 = 74 dB 4
Above 85 dB noise exposure, hearing protection is compulsory and
reduction measures should be taken. For example, marking noise
zones in a workplace. The maximum recommended exposure time
at 85 dB is 8h (and at 88 dB -> 4h). If you go above, make sure you
rest your ears, which means no noise above 70 dB for 24h.
If you spend a lot of time in environments with varying noise levels
above 85 dB, you can use a noise dosimeter and let it monitor the
noise levels and calculate the dose you’re getting to make sure you
receive appropriate protection.
MEASURES FOR HEARING PROTECTION
Ear muffs
Ear muffs have rigid cups usually made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene
Styrene (ABS) and synthetic foam cushions that seal around the ears
to block out noise. Certain models will have an adjustable PVC padded
and flexible headband.
Ear plugs
Made from flexible materials (polyurethane foam, flexible silicone,
thermoplactic) that are preformed to fit the ear canal and to be hygienic
and economical. They can be attached with a plastic cord, or can be
fitted with a detector for high visibility and detectability.
TESTS & STANDARDS
EN 352 – 1 Earmuffs
EN 352 – 2 Earplugs
EN 352 – 3 Earmuffs on safety helmets
EN 352 – 4 Level dependent earmuffs
EN 352 – 5 Active noise reduction earmuffs
EN 352 – 6 Earmuffs with electrical audio input
EN 352 – 7 Level dependent earplugs
EN 458 Recommendations for selection, use, care
EN 13819-1 Physical test methods
EN 13819-2 Acoustic test methods
EN 352-11 Two-way communication ear muffs
SABS 50352 Safety requirements hearing
H, M, L Average attenuations
High Medium Low frequencies
SABS 1451 1998 Standard specification for hearing protection
HEARING PROTECTION
PLEASE TURN OVER

2. HARMFULRANGE 150
140 Aircraft Jet Engines
130 Rivetting Hammers
Gun Shots
120 Propeller Driven Aircraft
Punch Presses
Chainsaws
110 Nail Gun
Blasting
Foundry Rumbling
RISKAREA
100 Machine Shop
Grinding and Cutting Wheels
Pig House at Feed Time
Concrete Pouring
Food Industry - Blast Chillers
Food Industry - Homogenisers
90 Large Heavy Goods Vehicle
Drilling Concrete
Sandblasting
Mill Worker Crushing
Food Industry - Bottling
Food Industry - Packaging
Food Industry - High Boiling
Food Industry - Bread Slicing
Band Saws
SAFEAREA
80 Busy Traffic
Loud Radio
Vacuum Cleaner
70 Car Driver
60 Normal Office Noise
Conversation
Quiet Office