Stronghold Global Product Guide 2022 - Catalog - Page 32
HEARING PROTECTION
Hearing
protection
Without suitable protection, exposure to
loud noises could lead to hearing loss or
debilitating conditions such as Tinnitus.
Disposable earplugs, reusable corded
earplugs, ear muffs and ear defenders are
all options to consider when equipping
your workforce.
Select ear protection depending on the
working environment and also on what
other protective equipment has to be worn
on the head, such as hard hats.
What is the right level of protection?
The Health and Safety Executive advises that the
aim should be to get below 85dB (decibels) of noise at
the ear. But protectors that reduce the level at the ear to
below 70 dB should be avoided, since this over-protection
may cause difficulties with communication and hearing
warning signals.
Each hearing protective device has a single number rating
(SNR) value to indicate the level of protection provided.
The SNR value required increases incrementally depending
on the level of exposure to noise. For noise levels of
between 85 and 90dB, a protector with an SNR value
of 20 or less is deemed suitable, but an SNR value of 30
or more is needed for noise levels of 100 to 105dB
Hammers drills commonly used by roadworkers,
for example, produce in excess of 100dB.
32
Specialist support
If you are unsure what to order, please contact our product specialists
on 0845 208 4500. Alternatively we can carry out a full site PPE and
workwear audit to ensure your company is meeting the correct standards.