Hearing protection prevents hearing loss in loud workplaces, saving your employees’ hearing, lost work, time and money. Don’t risk damaging your employees hearing ability, let them know that you put their safety first!
To better understand the type of hearing protection you should buy, the Environmental Protection Agency defines Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) as the measurement, in decibels, of how well a hearing protector reduces noise. The higher the NRR number the greater the noise reduction. When dual protectors are used, the combined NRR provides approximately 5 – 10 decibels more than the higher rated of the two devices. For example, using disposable ear plugs (NRR of 29 decibels) with ear muffs (NRR 27) would provide a Noise Reduction Rating of approximately 39 decibels.
Excessive noise is defined as 85-90 decibels or more over an 8 hour period.
Examples of noise levels considered dangerous by experts are: a rock concert, firearms, lawnmower, firecrackers, headset listening systems, motorcycles, tractors, power tools and industrial machinery. All can deliver sounds over 90 decibels and some up to 140 decibels.
Painful:
150 dB = Rock Concerts at Peak
140 dB = Firearms, Air-Raid Siren, Jet Engine
130 dB = Jackhammer
120 dB = Jet Plane Take-off, Amplified Music at 4-6 ft., Car Stereo, Band Practice
Extremely loud:
110 dB = Machinery, Model Airplanes
100 dB = Snowmobile, Chain saw, Pneumatic Drill
90 dB = Lawnmower, Shop Tools, Truck Traffic, Subway
Very loud:
80 dB = Alarm Clock, Busy Street
70 dB = Vacuum Cleaner
60 dB = Conversation, Dishwasher
Moderate:
50 dB = Moderate Rainfall
40 dB = Quiet room
Faint:
30 dB = Whisper, Quiet Library
Emedco has a full line of hearing protection that includes: disposable and reusable earplugs (corded or uncorded), earmuffs and banded hearing protectors. Also, choose from a large selection of Hearing Protection Signs. Your Way, Today, Guaranteed!
Additional Info:
Method for Calculating and Using the NRR
Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention
Submitted by: Donna Kolody/Emedco
