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HEARING PROTECTION

EARPLUGS

AS/NZS 1270:2002 Acoustics - Hearing protectors This Standard 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.

Over-exposure to dangerous noise levels at work can lead to hearing loss, some of which can be permanent. Each day we are exposed to varying levels of noise in both the workplace and at home. Noise levels are measured in decibels (dBA), and prolonged exposure to levels over 85 decibels over an 8 hour period may cause irreparable hearing loss. Understanding your work environment and the different noise levels gives you the best chance of minimising damage.

Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002, a ‘class’ system is an easy way to choose a hearing protector appropriate to a noise exposure. The standard rates hearing protection into five classes, with Class 1 being the lowest level of protection and Class 5 being the highest level.

AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

SLC80 (SOUND LEVEL CONVERSION) A SLC80 (Sound Level Conversion) rating is engaged to convert the difference between the sound level of the environment in which the hearing protection is worn and the sound level reaching the wearer’s ears. Under the standard people should not be exposed to sound above 85dB for more than an 8 hour period. A noise survey is then conducted and the table to the right can be used to select the appropriate Class of hearing protection required.

Class

SLC80 dB

Noise Survey Result

1

10-13

Less than 90dB (A)

2

14-17

90dB to less than 95dB (A)

By way of example, if a person is working with a hammer drill running at 114dB, then the noise must be reduced to 85dB or less, therefore Class 5 26dB+ hearing protection would be essential.

3

18-21

95dB to less than 100dB (A)

4

22-25

100dB to less than 105dB (A)

The home scale below shows decibel ratings of various objects you could come in contact with, where as the work scale indicates when these decibel levels start damaging your hearing.

5

26+

105dB to less than 110dB (A)

HOME SCALE DECIBELS (dBA) 12 Gauge Shotgun - 160dB

Know The Risk

160

190

150 140

Basketball Crowd Noise - 120dB Chainsaw - 110dB Rock Concert - 105dB Motorcycle - 100dB Lawn Mower - 90dB Vacuum Cleaner - 80dB Mid-Sized Car Interior - 70dB Conversation - 60dB Floor Fan - 50dB Refrigerator Hum - 40dB Rustling Leaves - 30dB Watch Ticking - 20dB

180

130

140dB - Jet Takeoff 135dB - Jackhammer

120

124dB - Pnuematic Riveter

110

114dB - Hammer Drill 97dB - Tractor / Hand Drill 93dB - Belt Sander

80 70 60

78dB - City Traffic 60dB - Air Conditioning Unit

50 40

45dB - Electrical Transformer

170 150 130

Pain begins - hearing protection essential

110 100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30

20

20

ACTION LEVEL Hearing Protection should be worn when sounds exceed the action level (85dB) SAFE ZONE

10 0 Decibel Level

3 | Hearing Protection

DANGER ZONE

140

30

10

The loudest sound possible Death of hearing tissue

160

120

100 90

WORK SCALE DECIBELS (dBA)

Smallest audible sound

EARPLUGS

HEARING PROTECTION

How Does Hearing Loss Occur?

Malleus Incus Stapes

MIDDLE EAR

Semi-Circle Cochlea

The ear consists of three major areas: the outer ear, the inner ear and middle ear.

Sounds waves travel in through the outer ear causing vibrations in the eardrum.

These waves are then amplified by the three small bones in the middle ear before they travel through to the inner ear, passing through fluid in a snail-shaped in the inner ear called the cochlea.

INNER EAR

Vestibular Nerve Cochlea Nerve Round Window

Attached to nerve cells in the cochlea are thousands of tiny hairs that translate these sound vibrations into electrical signals that are then transmitted to your brain, which turns the signals into recognisable sounds.

Tympanic Membrane

Nerve destruction or damage to the hair cells which transfer sound waves within the ear is what results in permanent loss of hearing. If damage or destruction occurs to these key parts of the hearing mechanism, they are never able to be repaired, resulting in either slight or total permanent hearing loss.

Fitting Instructions HOW TO FIT YOUR OVERHEAD EARMUFF This model of ear muff is to be worn over the head. When worn correctly, the head band of the earmuff is to rest on top of your head.

A

B

C

B

C

A Pull the cups outward and place over your ears so that the cushions fully enclose the ears and seal tightly against the head.

B Adjust the height of each cup on both sides while holding the headband down until you have a tight and comfortable fit.

C The headband should sit straight on the head.

HOW TO FIT YOUR CAP ATTACHABLE EARMUFF This model of ear muff is to be worn with a hard hat. When worn correctly, the earmuff is fixed into the hard hat’s side accessory slots.

A

A Push the 30mm earmuff adaptor into the accessory slot on the side of the hard hat.

B Put the hard hat on and push the earmuffs inwards to engage their active position covering your ears.

C Adjust the earmuff up and down for a personalised fit. When not wearing the earmuffs, pull them away from the ears, turn 90° and place them into the rest position.

HOW TO FIT YOUR DISPOSABLE EARPLUGS A Ensure hands and earplugs are clean prior to fitting.

B Roll earplug with tips of fingers to compact foam into a thin crease‑free cylinder.

C Insert the compressed earplug well into the ear canal. Pulling the ear outwards and upwards will make fitting easier.

D Ensure earplugs are suitably fitted as per diagram.

Hearing Protection |

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HEARING PROTECTION

EARPLUGS

HWRX970

Bullet Shaped Uncorded Disposable Earplug

HWRX971 200 Pairs 10 Boxes

C lass 5, 26dB I ndividually packed for convenience U niversal fit to suit most ear canals O ptimal expansion rate for easy fitting H igh-visibility colour for easy wearer identification S uitable for high noise areas up to 110dB (A) AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

Bullet Shaped Corded Disposable Earplug C lass 5, 26dB N eck cord prevents earplugs being dropped or lost I ndividually packed for convenience U niversal fit to suit most ear canals O ptimal expansion rate for easy fitting H igh-visibility colour for easy wearer identification S uitable for high noise areas up to 110dB (A)

NEW

Bullet Shaped Uncorded Earplugs with Dispenser (500prs) C lass 5, 26dB Universal fit to suit most ear canals Optimal expansion rate for easy fitting High-visibility colour for easy wearer identification Suitable for high noise areas up to 110dB (A) Simple one hand click dispensing Wall mountable or free standing Simple refill system

5 | Hearing Protection

10 Boxes

AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

NEW

PRODUCT

HWRX973

100 Pairs

PRODUCT

HWRX974 1 4

Bullet Shaped Uncorded Earplugs Bulk Pack (500prs)

500 Pairs 10 Packets

Class 5, 26dB B ulk packaged dispenser refill U niversal fit to suit most ear canals O ptimal expansion rate for easy fitting H igh-visibility colour for easy wearer identification S uitable for high noise areas up to 110dB (A) AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

EARPLUGS

NEW

NEW

PRODUCT

HWRX980

Bell Shaped Uncorded Disposable Earplug

HEARING PROTECTION

PRODUCT

HWRX981 200 Pairs 10 Boxes

C lass 4, 22dB I ndividually packed for convenience B ell shaped profile for a secure inner seal O ptimal expansion rate for easy fitting H igh-visibility colour for easy wearer identification S uitable for medium noise areas up to 106dB (A) AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

Bell Shaped Corded Disposable Earplug C lass 4, 22dB N eck cord prevents earplugs being dropped or lost I ndividually packed for convenience B ell shaped profile for a secure inner seal O ptimal expansion rate for easy fitting H igh-visibility colour for easy wearer identification S uitable for medium noise areas up to 106dB (A)

100 Pairs 10 Boxes

AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

Hearing Protection |

6

HEARING PROTECTION

EARPLUGS

NEW

PRODUCT

HWRX991

Silicone Corded Reusable Earplug

100 Pairs 10 Boxes

C lass 4, 24dB N eck cord prevents earplugs being dropped or lost I ndividually packed for convenience C hristmas tree shaped reusable silicone construction H igh-visibility colour for easy wearer identification S uitable for medium noise areas up to 108dB (A) AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

7 | Hearing Protection

EARPLUGS

HEARING PROTECTION

NEW

PRODUCT

HWRX972

FoodSafe Metal Detectable Corded Disposable Earplug C lass 5, 26dB M etal detectable cord and plug N eck cord prevents earplugs being dropped or lost I ndividually packed for convenience U niversal fit to suit most ear canals O ptimal expansion rate for easy fitting B lue in colour to suit food industry usage S uitable for high noise areas up to 110dB (A)

100 Pairs 10 Boxes

AS/NZS 1270:2002 Lic.SMK40540

Hearing Protection |

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