NOISE MONITORING PITCH PERFECT


Simon Field, a technical specialist at science-based technology company 3M, outlines the benefits of fit testing for hearing protection.


When it comes to respiratory protective equipment (RPE), many health and safety professionals may already be aware of the benefits of fit testing since, for certain types of respirator, this is required by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).


However, fewer people know about recent developments in the field of fit testing for hearing protection equipment (HPE), which can be equally advantageous. In the UK, an estimated 20,000 people currently suffer from work-related hearing problems, according to the HSE. Many of these problems, such as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus, are irreversible, yet completely avoidable.


“AN ESTIMATED 20,000 PEOPLE CURRENTLY


SUFFER FROM WORK- RELATED HEARING PROBLEMS”


Consequently, companies are bound by various legislation, including the Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 and the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, to protect workers from hazardous noises, whether intermittent or continuous.


3M recommends using fit testing as part of a comprehensive four- step approach involving detection, protection, training and validation. Fit testing is a way of quantitively assessing the performance level of safety equipment while it is being worn by a particular individual.


This is important for HPE, as the level of protection provided can depend on the wearer’s unique physical characteristics and the way the equipment is worn. For example, those with wider ear canals, or who do not insert ear plugs correctly, may


28


“COMPANIES ARE


receive less attenuation – a lower level of protection.


HPE fit testing equipment works by measuring sound levels inside and outside the earplugs or ear muffs while they are being worn. It can be used to quickly provide reliable, quantitative data to show how effective the user’s equipment is in practice. This data can be used to either help with the HPE selection process, or reassure employers and staff that their existing HPE is doing its job.


As an added benefit, the process of fit testing itself provides an excellent opportunity to train staff about noise hazards and how to correctly use their HPE. For employers, it also ensures that training records are up to date, protecting companies from potential legal claims, which can be costly in terms of money, company time and reputation.


If an employer wishes to fit test their workforce, they should consider whether to use an external provider or a competent person in-house. The former option may provide extra peace of mind, while the latter may be more cost effective, particularly as fit testing should be carried out regularly.


Companies seeking to conduct their own fit testing may wish to invest in equipment such as the E-A-Rfit Dual-


BOUND BY VARIOUS LEGISLATION TO


PROTECT WORKERS FROM HAZARDOUS NOISES”


Ear Validation System by 3M. This system, which has been selected as a finalist for the Tomorrow’s Health & Safety Awards 2018, has been designed to make the process of fit testing earplugs and ear muffs quick, simple and accurate.


In less than five seconds, the system can measure the noise reduction achieved for a single worker at seven different frequencies. Unlike any other solution on the market, it can test both ears at once, significantly speeding up the process of fit testing an entire workforce.


The system provides a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) for each person tested, using a variant on the measurement technique of Field Microphone-In-Real-Ear technology (F-MIRE). These quantitative results are measured directly and objectively, so there is no need for users to listen or respond to test signals. Furthermore, the system’s interface and software are intuitive and user- friendly, making it simple to operate.


www.3m.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52