NZSAFETY BLACKWOODS E-A-RfitTM Dual Ear Validation System User Guide

NZSAFETY BLACKWOODS E-A-RfitTM Dual Ear Validation System

FAQ

• What are the major areas covered by the product standards?
  • The product standards cover occupational noise management, design, materials, performance of hearing protectors, and testing requirements.
• How to determine the appropriate hearing protector?
  • Determine the noise hazard level through a survey, then match it with the classification table based on the SLC80 rating to select the suitable protector.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE RIGHT HEARING PROTECTION

SYMPTOMS OF HEARING LOSS

If you or someone you know experiences one or more of the following hearing sensitivity should be checked

IF YOU HAVE TO SHOUT TO BE HEARD IN YOUR WORKPLACE, IT IS AN INDICATOR THAT NOISE IS AN ISSUE

In New Zealand if your workplace has a noise exposure of greater than 85dB for an hour day, then controls must be in place to reduce the noise. Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NHL) is preventable it occurs over time and its effects are realised long after the damage has been done. NHL is permanent and irreversible if you understand the hazard of noise and how to choose the appropriate Hearing Protectors, you can prevent hearing loss. There are different noise control options, but the first line of defence is prevention. Hearing protection should be a last resort cannot be engineered out.

WHAT TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING HEARING PROTECTION

1. Know how much noise reduction you need
   • Determine what class rating you need
2. Think about your worksite and job tasks
   • Determine the type of job, length of exposure to noise and integration wih other PPE
3. Decide what is most comfortable and convenient
   • Earplugs or earmuffs

GET THE SOLUTION FOR YOUR JOB

Follow our easy guide to ensure you are using the right product for your application.

EAR fit Validation

A system to test how well a hearing protector fits you – talk to your Safety Specialist for more information.

• 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear
• Validation System

HEARING STANDARDS

HEARING PROTECTION STANDARDS

• Standard AS/NZS 1269.0:2005 provides an overview of the general requirements for occupational noise management.
• The Standard deals with noise as it affects hearing, but does not deal with other effects of noise. It also provides an integrated approach to establishing, implementing and evaluating an occupational noise management program.
• In Australia and New Zealand one of the major areas of compensation is industrial hearing loss. It is a very debilitating loss for a person to experience, however it is completely preventable.
• Today, a wide range of hearing protectors are available to ensure a comfortable solution, suited to the individual and the task at hand.

Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 Occupational Noise Management

• AS/NZS 1269.0:2005 Occupational noise management – Overview and general requirements
• AS/NZS 1269.1:2005 Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise
• AS/NZS 1269.2:2005 Occupational noise management – Noise control management
• AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 Occupational noise management – Hearing protector program
• AS/NZS 1269.4:2005 Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise emission and exposure

AS/NZS 1270:2002 Acoustics – Hearing protectors

These Standards specifies requirements for the design, materials, and performance of conventional hearing protectors. It also provides guidance on the general requirements for, and the physical and acoustic testing of, specialist hearing protectors.

SOUND LEVEL CONVERSION SLC80

Under Standard AS/NZS 1270, hearing protectors are tested across a range of noise frequencies where a SLC80 rating is mathematically calculated. The results are stated as Class which is determined by the SLC80 rating obtained. The test results are found on the packaging of the hearing protector. SLC stands for Sound Level Conversion; it is a rating defined as the difference between the sound level of the environment in which the hearing protection device is worn, and the sound level reaching the wearer’s ears. The SLC value includes a correction to ensure that the stated degree of noise reduction is obtained on 80% of occasions hence the SLC80 rating.

For example, the sound level in a workplace is 104dB(A) (as an average over an eight hour period). The target “in ear” noise level is 80dB(A). To calculate the minimum SLC80 rating required for a hearing protector in this workplace would be:

• 104dB(A) – 80dB(A) = 24dB(A)

The result of 24dB(A) indicates that a SLC80 24dB(A) rated hearing protector is required which, based on the table to the right corresponds to a Class 4.

Prosafe Earplugs

• Soft, highly visible foam earplugs

THE CLASS SYSTEM

Under the Standard AS/NZS 1270, there is a classification method for the selection of hearing protectors. Once the extent of the noise hazard has been determined by a noise level survey, the user simply applies this to the classification table below to select an appropriate hearing protector. The class system is a simple way to select hearing protection appropriate to the noise exposure.

NOISE EXPOSURE TIMES

The decibel scale is a logarithmic scale so small numerical changes represent enormous physical changes. An increase of 3dB from 83dB to 86dB is double the noise and 86dB to 89dB is double that again.

• Your exposure time to noise is also an important factor in selecting protection levels.
• The class system rating is based on an 8-hour exposure. Anything beyond 8 hours exposure time and the protection level needs to increase.

HEARING PROGRAMME

FIVE STEP PROGRAMME

Step 1:  Noise Survey

• Conduct a preliminary noise survey to identify any possible noise hazards.

Step 2:  detailed assessment

• If the preliminary noise survey averages over 84dB over an 8 hour period a detailed assessment is required.
• A formal noise survey should be carried out by an occupational hygienist or specially trained occupational health nurse.

The assessment will:

• Quantify the amount of noise to which employees are exposed
• Identify sources of noise
• Help in developing noise control strategies
• Determine appropriate hearing protector needs

Step 3:  Control

• Eliminate – if practicable, control noise at source
• Isolate – where practicable move noise sources away from employees
• Minimise – provide hearing protectors or use enclosures to reduce the amount of noise emitted

Step 4: Hearing Protectors

If hearing protectors are being used as a control, you must consider:

1. Staff education as to the need for hearing protectors
2. Define hearing protector areas with signage
3. Provide a selection of hearing protectors (not one will fit all)
4. Issuing hearing protectors to individuals and validation of the fit to the individual user
5. Cleaning and maintenance of hearing protectors
6. Training and education for people wearing hearing protectors

Step 5:  Monitoring

Monitor the health effects of noise in the workplace (hearing testing) and notify any serious harm (any signs of hearing loss). An occupational hygienist or specially trained occupational health nurse should conduct testing:

• Before an employee starts work
• At intervals of no longer than 12 months thereafter
• Also recommended for employees exiting a business

HEARING PROTECTORS

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN SELECTING HEARING PROTECTORS

Noise reduction is one of many factors in determining the best hearing protector for a noise-exposed worker.

1. Comfort
   • Will the wearer be comfortable wearing the protector?
   • Consider the conditions worked in, is it hot or cold etc.
2. Noise reduction
   • Will the protector reduce the noise level enough?
3. Size
   • Will the earplugs fit correctly in the ear canal? Not too loose or too tight.
4. Communication needs
   • Are there audible warnings or alarms that need to be heard?
5. Special job requirements
   • Is there restricted access or object that could limit size of the protectors?
6. Cleanliness
   • Will the wearer be working in a hygienic or toxic area and need to dispose of the protector?
7. Compatibility with other PPE
   • Helmets, shields, hats, glasses etc. All need to be considered.

OVER PROTECTION

• Wearing hearing protectors that block too much noise (overprotection) has a negative effect.
• Overprotected workers typically compromise the fit of their protector by pulling the earplug out partway, or lift up the cup of the earmuff to hear instructions from co-workers, maintenance sounds from the machinery, warning signals etc.
• Audiologists often see more hearing loss in workers who ‘cheat’ with the fit and wear time of their earplugs.

PASSIVE EARMUFFS

TYPES OF EARMUFFS

Passive earmuffs are a type of hearing protection device designed to reduce the amount of sound that reaches the ears. They work by creating a physical barrier that blocks and absorbs sound waves, thereby reducing the intensity of noise exposure.

• When worn, passive earmuffs create an airtight seal around the ears, blocking direct sound entry. Sound waves pass through the ear cups’ material, losing energy and intensity before reaching the ears.
• Limitations include not eliminating all sounds and low-frequency noises still being audible. Proper fit is crucial for optimal performance.
• Comfort is essential for extended use; padded ear cups and an adjustable headband provide a snug fit. Regular maintenance, including cleanliness and inspecting for wear and tear, ensures continued effectiveness. Replace damaged ear cushions promptly.

EARMUFFS MISCONCEPTION

MYTH: IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO WEAR MY EARMUFFS INCORRECTLY.

• Reality: While it’s true that it is easier to correctly fit earmuffs than earplugs, not all styles of earmuffs are worn the same way and it is actually possible to wear them incorrectly.

DO’S AND DON’TS OF WEARING EARMUFFS

MYTH: THERE’S NOTHING WRONG WITH WEARING EARMUFFS OVER MY HOODIE.

• Reality: Any type of headgear can interfere with the seal fo the earmuff, causing a reduction of hearing protection.
• A properly worn earmuff fully encloses the ear and seal tightly against the head.

MYTH: LIFTING MY EARMUFFS ONCE IN AWHILE WONT’ AFFECT MY HEARING.

Reality: When hearing protectors are not worn properly for the duration of a shift in hazardous noise, a worker’s protection drops dramatically. Protection level is not proportional – any unprotected exposure is significant. When working in hazardous noise, workers are at risk of hearing loss every time they lift their earmuff to speak to a co-worker, re-adjust their PPE or even to cool doew on a hot day.

MYTH: I DON’T NEED TO CLEAN MY EARMUFFS, THEY LAST FOREVER.

Reality: Earmuffs should be cleaned on a regular basis. Caring for and cleaning your earmuffs can be done with mild soap and water. It is very important to check earmuffs on a regular basis for possible defects, such as cracked cups, hardened cushions and loose bands. Everytime as earmuff is stretched open to be worn the band tension is reduced and the earmuff will eventually fail to provide a proper seal for the wearer’s ears. Replacement is recommended every 3 to 6 months. Hygiene kits will prolong the life of your earmuffs.

THE RIGHT FIT TEST. RIGHT NOW. E-A-RFIT DUAL-EAR VALIDATION SYSTEM

3M E-A-Rfit Dual-Ear Validation System is a comprehensive fit validation system to test the actual protection workers receive from their hearing protectors. For more information on this service, please contact your 3M Personal Safety Sales Representative.
NOTE: If your customers wish to have someone at their company trained to become a certified E-A-Rfit Technician so they can service their own employees, please contact a 3M Personal Safety Sales Representative for more information.

• The unit measures the actual protection levels provided to individual workers by selected E-A-R earplugs
• Accurate objective data is collated & delivered within 8 second
• Fast, clear, accurate results are obtained in just seconds and can be printed or saved electronically for future reference
• Requires probed test plugsIncludes Software, Speaker And Impact Resistant Carrying Case

COMMUNICATION HEARING EARMUFF

COMMUNICATION SOLUTIONS

Close up or far away we have a communicaiton solution for noisy environments that make it possible for users of protectors to communicate effectively.

Key Benefits:

• Enhanced Communication: Allowing for clear two-way communication without the need to remove the earmuffs.
• Noise Management: Some communication hearing protection devices feature noise-cancellation capabilities, reducing background noise levels to enhance communication clarity further.
• Hands-Free Communication: Many communication hearing protection devices have Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect with smartphones or two-way radios for hands-free communication, enhancing productivity and efficiency in work environments.

Sync™ Wireless Earmuff VS130

PELTOR™ WS LiteCom Plus Bluetooth Headband Headset

COMMUNICATION HEARING EARMUFF

KEEP WORKING WHILE CONVERSING

Turn your hearing protection into a quiet office you wear to work. In low noise, the ambient/envornmental microphones can increase your ability to communicate with nearby colleagues and hear warning signals, approaching vehicles and other machine sounds or processes when needed.

3M PELTOR WS ALERT X Headset, Headband

3M PELTOR WS ALERT X Headset, Helmet Attach

PASSIVE EARPLUGS

WHICH HEARING PROTECTION IS SUITABLE FOR YOUR WORK?

• The class of hearing protection to use will depend on the noise level in your work. The higher the noise level, the higher the class of the hearing protection. It’s important that your workers wear the correct class of hearing protection, because it is specially designed to protect workers from specific levels of noise over specific timeframes.
• Earplugs work well with other PPE, are cooler to wear than ear muffs, and can provide up to Class 5 hearing protection.
• Consider Class 3 and Class 4 models to avoiding “over-attenuation” ie stay protected while staying aware of your surroundings.

THEY ONLY WORK AS GOOD AS YOUR FIT!

HOW TO USE:

REGULAR size foam earplugs fit most ears well. LARGE size earplugs are also available for larger ear canals, and SMALL size earplugs are available for smaller ear canals. Hands and earplugs should be clean before fitting.

EARMUFF MISCONCEPTIONS

TYPES OF EARPLUGS

Push-to-Fit Earplugs: Best for

• Dirty environment/hands
• Wearing gloves
• Easy to insert
• Keep clean and no roll down needed

Disposable roll-down: Best for

• Long period of use
• Low or High temperatures
• No maintenance required
• Visitors
• Low unit cost

Metal Dectable Best for

• Food processing and other industries where it is critical to keep earplugs from contaminating products and processes.

Reusable and Banded Earplugs Best for

• Short period or intermittent use
• Dirty environment/hands
• Washable, storable, reusable
• No roll down needed
• Banded earplugs are quick to put and take off and can be stored around the neck in between uses

CLASS 3

CLASS 4

EARPLUGS

KNOW YOUR DECIBELS

EASY TO DAMAGE. EASY TO PROTECT

CLASS 4: DISPOSABLE ROLL-DOWN EARPLUGS

CLASS 4: RESUABLE PUSH TO FIT

COMMUNICATION HEARING

CLASS 5: DISPOSABLE ROLL-DOWN EARPLUGS

CLASS 5: REUSABLE PUSH TO FIT

We’re nationwide

Contact

You choose how you want to do business with us and together, our technical specialists, sales and customer care teams will help you find the right solution.

• PHONE
  • us on 0800 660 660
• VISIT A TRADE CENTRE
  • in locations throughout New Zealand
• EMAIL
  • us at custservice@nzsafetyblackwoods.co.nz
• VISIT US ONLINE
  • at nzsafetyblackwoods.co.nz
• UTILISE OUR APP
  • by downloading from the App Store or Google Play

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)

Read User Manual Online (PDF format)  >>

Download This Manual (PDF format)

Download this manual  >>