Page 52 - Occupational Health & Safety, October 2018

HEARING PROTECTION
tion that combines the benefits of disposable and reusable styles. PIFs deliver the comfort of foam but with the hygienic benefit of reusable ear plugs—no roll-down required. Because PIFs are made of foam that is denser than plastic, they deliver higher at- tenuation ratings than reusables, making them ideal for consis- tently loud environments.
Before selecting any style of high attenuating ear plugs, be sure to measure noise levels and select the corresponding at- tenuation to ensure clear, safe communication among workers where needed. Another key to ensuring effective protection is fit testing. Fit testing evaluates noise and provides workers an accurate reading of their hearing protection effectiveness. Ear plugs are commonly misused, leaving the wearer unprotected without their knowledge.
Ear Muffs
Ear muffs are an ideal hearing protection solution in many envi- ronments. Full protection is generally easy to achieve when the seal is unbroken, and optional adapters allow for easy combina- tion wear with other types of personal protective equipment such as hard hats. Because ear muffs rest around the ear—not in the ear canal—they are ideal for use in grimy environments. However, de- spite their heftier design, which may appear more protective, ear muffs generally do not deliver attenuation ratings as high as ear plugs. Therefore, care should be given to selecting ear muffs that meet the specific noise hazards on site.
Passive ear muffs
Passive ear muff models do not contain circuitry; they simply form a seal around the ear to protect the worker from noise. Ideally suited for day-to-day protection, they come in a wide variety of styles. And with options such as cap-mount, over-the-head and be- hind-the-neck wear, workers can find a secure solution that meets the rigors of their specific job.
Electronic ear muffs
Electronic ear muffs are relied upon to block noise and manage sound in some of the world’s most acoustically challenging envi- ronments. Using circuitry for electronic sound amplification, they enable workers to clearly hear their surroundings and important communications, such as alarms, warning signals, and co-work- ers’ voices—all while suppressing hazardous noise. Depending on workers’ needs, look for electronic solutions with high-fidelity sound, AM/FM, MP3, or Bluetooth compatibility.
Consider lightweight, streamlined solutions with advanced comfort and adjustability features to encourage compliance and all-day wear, and in low-light applications look for high visibility solutions that stand out.
Lisa Steckert is Product Manager, Hearing Protection, for Hon- eywell Safety & Productivity Solutions. For an at-a-glance look at occupational NIHL, view the company’s new infographic: file:///C:/Users/Holly/Downloads/Occupational%20Noise%20 Infographic_Final.pdf
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