Selection of Earmuffs and Other Personal Protective Equipment Used in Combination

Emil Kozlowski and Rafal Mlynski
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Emil Kozlowski: Department of Vibroacoustic Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland
Rafal Mlynski: Department of Vibroacoustic Hazards, Central Institute for Labour Protection-National Research Institute, 00-701 Warsaw, Poland

IJERPH, 2019, vol. 16, issue 9, 1-12

Abstract: In a work environment, in addition to noise, people may be exposed to other harmful factors. Therefore, they wear both hearing protectors and other personal protective equipment (OPPE). Incorrect use of such a combination may increase the risk of hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine whether the simultaneous use of earmuffs and other personal protective equipment could affect the effectiveness of hearing protection. The study was carried out under laboratory conditions using an acoustic test fixture. This fixture replicated the anatomical shapes of the head and the pinnae, and was also equipped with ear simulators. The study was carried out for five models of earmuffs and eight models of other personal protection equipment. We found that a change in the sound pressure level (SPL) under the earmuffs when using a full face respirator could reach up to 40 dB. On the other hand, the use of a half respirator had practically no adverse impact on the efficiency of hearing protection. In the selection process, it is recommended to consider safety spectacles equipped with thin temples, and half respirators equipped with band adjustment elements positioned on the facial part, rather than the back, of the user’s head.

Keywords: hearing protection; hearing protectors; earmuffs; personal protective equipment; sound pressure level; noise (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2019
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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