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EN STANDARDS

Health & Safety
HEARING PROTECTION The Law 87 dB. For example 3M HPE which provides Rule of thumb

medium-high attenuation is identified by red
When it’s necessary to raise your voice to have
Employers are required to comply with the
symbols.
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
a conversation when 2m apart, the noise level
For more information visit
is likely to be 85 dB or above.
which aim to ensure that employees’ hearing is
protected from excessive noise at their place of
work.

The HSE guidance states that the hierarchy of www.hse.gov.uk/noise SNR (Single Number Rating)
What to look for
control should begin with reducing noise SNR is the number of potential decibels the
through engineering means and other controls The attenuation table supplied with each hearing protection will reduce the noise level
hearing protector provides the assumed
(e.g. segregation of activities). Where protection at different frequencies. They also by, if fitted correctly. The aim is to find a
hazardous levels of noise remain present, suitable product that brings noise level down to
Hearing Protective Equipment (HPE) may be feature H, M and L values which stand for High, between 70 and 80 decibels. Over protection
used to further reduce exposure. Medium and Low and relate to how the should also be avoided, as people may not be
equipment performs at high, medium and low able to hear important every day sounds. SNR
Where average noise levels are 80 decibels (dB) frequencies. They will also have a Single is only a general means of comparing different
or above, an employee is required to assess the Number Rating (SNR) which provides an sound protection levels for different hearing
risk to employees, make hearing protection indication of the performance averaged over protection.
available and provide their employees with the full frequency range.
relevant information and training. 3M HPE The attenuation of HPE selected must be high Target noise in the ear = 75 dB to 80 dB
which provides low attenuation is identified by enough to reduce exposure to noise to Noise level = 100 dB
green and yellow symbols. SNR value of product = 25 dB
acceptable levels but not so high that the
At 85 dB and above the providions of suitable wearer becomes isolated and unable to In the ear noise = 75 dB
HPE is mandatory. When HPE is worn, communicate or hear warnings. Target met.
employees must not be exposed to noise above
Buying Guide Pain Threshold

Identifying noise hazards and assessing noise
levels in the workplace is the first step towards
ensuring your workforce is protected.

Assess your needs
The HSE website contains good information on assessing risk.
See www.hse.gov.uk/noise/risks.htm. When a noise survey is required, it
must be carried out by a competent person such as a noise
consultant or specialist. In-house measurement may be undertaken by
appropriately trained and experienced staff using a range of reliable sound
level meters and associated software.

RNR* - <85dB RNR* - 83dB - 93dB RNR* - 87dB - 98dB RNR* - 94dB - 105dB RNR* - 95dB - 110dB
You do not have to wear You are above the level, You are above the level, You are above the level, You are above the level,
hearing hearing hearing hearing hearing
protection, but it must protection is protection is protection is protection is
be made available to all compulsory. compulsory. Ideal for compulsory. Ideal for compulsory. Ideal for all
exposed persons. high frequency noise. high and medium frequencies.
frequency noise.
224 www.jbs.group