Sound advice on hearing protection
June 1st 2008

Millions of workers are exposed to dangerous levels of noise as part of their daily working lives and the need for provision of effective hearing protection is well known.

Today our environment contains many different noises that the ears are neither designed to withstand nor shut out. As a consequence, 'Noise Induced Hearing Loss' (NIHL) can occur through single loud sounds such as an explosion or through prolonged exposure to sound levels from as low as 85db loud.

Incessant noise can damage the hearing apparatus to such an extent that the individual becomes completely or partially isolated from his surroundings.

With the enforcement of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 employers are responsible for ensuring that Hearing Protection is made available and its use should be thoroughly enforced.

Protecting the workforce from industrial noise is critical. The EU Physical Agents Directive states that hearing protection must be worn in situations where workers are exposed to a daily average decibel level of 85db. Employers must also make hearing protection available where noise levels average 80db.

Dealing with a noisy work environment Statistics attributing nearly 80% of all recorded industrial disease claims to deafness, have led to an increasing awareness of the importance of protection against the harmful effects of industrial noise emission. Indeed, deafness is one of the commonest reasons for industrial injury compensation claims.

The employer has a duty not only to ensure personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided, used and correctly maintained, they must purchase the correct type of hearing protection.

Unfortunately, perhaps to compensate for inadequate information concerning the level of protection required, companies often select either the most expensive PPE available, or the one which provides the highest level of protection - either of which may be inappropriate.

Overprotection can be as dangerous as underprotection if the user is inhibited from hearing vital sirens, fire alarms, the movement of passing vehicles, the operation of equipment or supervisor instruction. In addition, there are psychological problems associated with overprotection from noise.

Therefore selection of the correct hearing defender appropriate to the individual function is vital.

Distinction with new Zone Hearing The new Protector 'Zone' range of ear defenders from Scott Health and Safety has been specifically designed to offer the ultimate in ease of selection, comfort and connectivity, guaranteeing 100% appropriate hearing protection. Produced in highly distinctive safety colours (Yellow/Orange/Red) and intuitively numbered, Zone provides for easy and instant identification by the user

and employer; ensuring that the right level of hearing protection is selected for a designated noise zone.

Passive, active listening and inbuilt AM/FM radio protection options encourage appropriate selection for the application and exposure duration, helping to avoid the risk of dangerous short term removal.

Selection made easy The Zone range offers three distinct levels of 'noise blocking' protection with each ear defender simply labelled 1, 2 or 3 for a clear indication of attenuation performance, which makes selection of the correct level of hearing protection easier. The high visual impact colour scheme of Zone not only contributes to improving the visibility of the worker in industrial environments, it also enables supervisory managers to instantly identify workers are wearing an adequate level of hearing protection for a designated noise zone.

Ease of selection is a key feature of Zone, which reduces the risk of under protection, resulting in hearing damage and over protection that can result in workers feeling isolated, failing to hear vital warning signals, or even having difficulty communicating. Workers with excessive levels of hearing protection often feel isolated and are more likely to remove ear defenders, exposing the inner ear to irreversible damage, which should be totally avoidable.

Comfort Zone The Protector 'Zone' range is ideal for use over long durations, delivering a balance between comfort and safety. Lightweight designs with soft, supple cushion materials provide for effective noise sealing and comfort against the face.

Approved to global hearing protection standards (CE, ANSI & AUS/NZ). Zone provides hearing protection for globally operating businesses, offering total flexibility to integrate with head, face and eye PPE for comprehensive protection in many applications.

Available in helmet mounted, headband or neckband ear defenders, Zone provides a preferred solution to suit any application. A standard 30mm helmet attachment post and optional 25 & 15mm posts easily fit a wide range of helmet styles and brands allowing quick conversion into a head, face and hearing protection combination.

When not in use, park and stand-by positions allow the ear defenders to be stored out of the way on the back of the helmet or to stand off the head to air prior to use.

Zone headband ear defenders can be easily adjusted to suit a wide range of head size using the easy slide adjustment mechanism and a foam pad is fitted to improve comfort. Headband ear defenders can be specified or quickly adapted with a polycarbonate or mesh visor, creating an EN166 approved 'Visor Muff Combination' (VMC) to meet the protection needs required for a wide range of applications and working conditions.

Zone Neckband ear defenders are worn behind the neck, a style that suits many users preference. Neckband ear defenders allow the use of helmets without attachment slots or bump caps, whilst maintaining the same effective noise seal.

Alert Zone – Active Hearing Protection Active protection is becoming increasingly popular as companies appreciate the benefits of protection without compromise. Active listening hearing protection keeps wearers fully in touch with their surroundings, alert to warning signals and improves communication, whilst sustaining protection against harmful noise.

The Protector Alert Zone is an "active listening" ear defender with integrated voice amplification. Alert Zone offers a Zone 1 (SNR 29) level of protection that is suitable for use in a wide range of industrial applications, including machine and plant operation, maintenance services, food and beverage production. Alert Zone's intelligent Electronic Protection System and built-in microphones continually listen to all noise received, making instantaneous decisions to block out harmful noise or replicate a safe sound at an amplification level determined by the wearer. A 3.5mm sound jack is incorporated for connection to external sound sources including mp3-players, mobile phones or com-radios.

FOCUS ZONE – AM/FM Radio Hearing Protection Offering a Zone 2 (SNR 31) level of protection and suitable for a wide range of industrial applications, the new Protector Focus Zone is a passive ear defender with an integrated AM/FM Radio. Focus Zone counteracts worker isolation in continuous noise environments, particularly where hearing protection must be worn for long periods.

Providing excellent Hi-Fi quality sound, the Focus Zone's AM/FM radio and integrated 3.5mm sound jack helps counteract feelings of isolation and the risk of short term removal by allowing the wearer to listen to their preferred radio station and to connect external sound sources including, mp3-players, mobile phones or com-radios.

This can increase morale, productivity and improves communication without compromising protection.

With regular maintenance, the cost effective, high quality and durable range of Protector Zone ear defenders will provide consistent high calibre attenuation performance over the product lifetime. To support customers, Scott Health and Safety offer a universal maintenance kit that includes replaceable cushions and first stage acoustic foam liners, ensuring the effectiveness of the essential seal between the face and the ear defender and consistent attenuation performance. Self adhesive antibacterial hygiene pads can be easily fitted to absorb excess moisture extend ear cushion life and improve hygiene by preventing dirt and bacteria build up.

This not only maintains safety and performance of the earmuff, but also contributes to the high hygienic standards required when sharing PPE.

Full details of the new Protector range of 'Zone' ear defenders is available from Scott Health and Safety or comprehensive information can be found on the website www.scottsafety.com

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