Prepare for new regs
February 1st 2005 In the UK around 17 000 people suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work. The new European Directive 2003/10/EEC is due to become national law in February 2006 and 3M believes now is an ideal time for organisations to review their hearing protection policies.
Under the legislation a new Limit Value of 87dB(A) at the ear must not be exceeded and hearing protection must be made available where the sound levels are at or above 80dB(A), and strictly enforced where sound levels reach or exceed 85dB(A).
This regulatory change is likely to cause a dramatic increase in the numbers of workers needing protection.
3M offers a range of solutions, including disposable and re-usable ear plugs, and ear muffs. Muffs include FM radio versions to help reduce the isolation associated with repetitive jobs, and a level dependent ear muff that helps improve audibility of communication. More articles from 3M UK Plc: | 
