Fit Testing for Hearing Protection
Hearing Protection Validation is basically equipment fit testing where we analyse real-world attenuation performance for a particular device (either earplugs, semi aural device or earmuff) on the wearers head.
Although this is not yet a full blown legal requirement, the validation of hearing protection attenuation in the wearer's ears is now described by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as a 'best practise'.
The benefits of undertaking Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE) Validation are:
Although this is not yet a full blown legal requirement, the validation of hearing protection attenuation in the wearer's ears is now described by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as a 'best practise'.
The benefits of undertaking Hearing Protection Equipment (HPE) Validation are:
- It provides each employee with their own PAR (Personal Attenuation Rating) for each ear as well as records for the employer.
- As employees fit the protection product themselves, if results are poor they can be re-trained to obtain a better fit.
- There is no other input into the process by the employee so they are unable to 'fix' the results.
- Validation negates the need for the HSE 4db derating process as it gives 'real world' results.
- Can be used in litigation defence to quantify actual attenuation verses noise.
- An important record for employee training on HPE wearing and fitting.
Call us today on 0333 0065 002 and we will advise on your HPE Validation options.
Hearing Protection Testing and Standards
Standard EN 458:2004 defines and recommends the criteria to be used for selection, use, care, and maintenance of hearing equipment.
The standard was recently updated and it serves as a critical tool for choosing modern hearing protectors as it contains a flow chart for selection depending on the noise environmental situation. Safer Hearing follows this approach to help make the choosing of hearing protection much easier, bringing more attention to the additional functions of electronic hearing protectors (i.e. communication).
Validation systems are currently offered to the market by certain manufacturers and as such each only validates the HPE products offered by that particular manufacturer. Whilst not ideal, it is a good starting point and covers the two biggest HPE manufacturers today, namely 3M/Peltor and Honeywell/Howard Leight.
The 3M/Peltor kit is their EARFit Dual Ear Validation System, whilst Honeywell/Howard Leight promote their VeriPRO system.
Currently we offer the 3M Dual EARFit Validation system to our customers as either a standalone service or as a system for purchase with the required operating training.
The standard was recently updated and it serves as a critical tool for choosing modern hearing protectors as it contains a flow chart for selection depending on the noise environmental situation. Safer Hearing follows this approach to help make the choosing of hearing protection much easier, bringing more attention to the additional functions of electronic hearing protectors (i.e. communication).
Validation systems are currently offered to the market by certain manufacturers and as such each only validates the HPE products offered by that particular manufacturer. Whilst not ideal, it is a good starting point and covers the two biggest HPE manufacturers today, namely 3M/Peltor and Honeywell/Howard Leight.
The 3M/Peltor kit is their EARFit Dual Ear Validation System, whilst Honeywell/Howard Leight promote their VeriPRO system.
Currently we offer the 3M Dual EARFit Validation system to our customers as either a standalone service or as a system for purchase with the required operating training.
In-house Hearing Validation
Should you wish to purchase a hearing validation system and software to perform in house validation, we can provide the necessary training in the systems operation for any internal staff.
This is best suited to those staff who are of an Occupational Health background although it can be used by anyone with the appropriate training.
As part of our set up, the software is linked online to the manufacturer and registered with them, so any software updates or new product inclusion is sent automatically and directly to you.
Alternatively we can provide hearing protection validation to your staff on a ad-hoc or regular basis, as part of our hearing conservation programme. If you would like estimated costs for either option, please get in touch.
This is best suited to those staff who are of an Occupational Health background although it can be used by anyone with the appropriate training.
As part of our set up, the software is linked online to the manufacturer and registered with them, so any software updates or new product inclusion is sent automatically and directly to you.
Alternatively we can provide hearing protection validation to your staff on a ad-hoc or regular basis, as part of our hearing conservation programme. If you would like estimated costs for either option, please get in touch.
