Hearing Protection Standards
Hearing Protection Standards guide noise safety when noise cannot be sufficiently reduced due to the intrinsic properties of a particular action or environment. Tools used at, for example, construction sites, frequently cannot be made any quieter, and the worker’s proximity to the tool means the sound cannot readily be attenuated either. This leaves the utilization of hearing protection as a major component of a noise safety arsenal. Other times, people are only temporarily subjected to loud noises, making it so that the use of individual hearing protection is more effective than dealing with the noise itself. Key examples of this case are demolitions, where the noise is very loud but short lived, or rooms that are always loud but only require human presence at limited intervals.
ANSI/ASA S12.6-2016 (R2020)
Methods for Measuring the Real-Ear Attenuation of Hearing Protectors
This standard specifies laboratory-based procedures for measuring, analyzing, and reporting the passive noise-reducing capabilities of hearing protectors.
ANSI/ASA S12.42-2010
Methods for the Measurement of Insertion Loss of Hearing Protection Devices in Continuous or Impulsive Noise Using Microphone-in-Real-Ear or Acoustic Test Fixture Procedures
This standard provides methods for the measurement of the insertion loss of hearing protection devices in specified continuous and impulsive noise environments. The microphone-in-real-ear (MIRE) method utilizes human test subjects and may be used for hearing protectors that enclose the ears and make supra-aural or circumaural contact with the head, whereas the acoustical test fixture (ATF) method employs an inanimate fixture and can be used for any hearing protection device. The standard contains information on instrumentation, calibration, and electroacoustic requirements including details regarding the sound field of test facilities, the acoustical characteristics of ATFs, and subject selection and training and location of ear-mounted microphones for MIRE testing. Methods for measuring or determining sound pressure levels in the ear are also specified as well as methods for reporting the calculated insertion loss.
ASA S12.13 TR-2002 (R2020)
ASA Technical Report: Evaluating the Effectiveness of Hearing Conservation Programs through Audiometric Data
Describes methods for evaluating the effectiveness of hearing conservation programs in preventing occupational noise-induced hearing loss by using techniques for audiometric data base analysis. The rationale is given for using the variability of threshold measurements in annual monitoring audiograms as the basis for judging effectiveness. Guidelines are discussed concerning how to select a restricted data base to which the analysis procedures will be applied. Specific procedures for data analysis are defined, and criterion ranges are given for classifying program effectiveness as acceptable, marginal, or unacceptable. Sample results for industrial audiometric data bases contributed to Working Group S12/WG12 are included as an annex for reference and illustration.
ANSI/ASSP A10.46-2020
Hearing Loss Prevention for Construction and Demolition Workers
This standard applies to all construction and demolition workers with potential noise exposures (continuous, intermittent and impulse) of 85 dBA and above.
ISO 4869-1:2018
Acoustics - Hearing protectors - Part 1: Subjective method for the measurement of sound attenuation
This document specifies a subjective method for measuring sound attenuation of hearing protectors at the threshold of hearing. The method is a laboratory method designed to yield reproducible values under controlled measurement conditions. The values reflect the attenuating characteristics of the hearing protector only to the extent that users wear the device in the same manner as did the test subjects. For a more representative indication of field performance the methods of ISO/TS 4869 5 can be used. This test method yields data which are collected at low sound pressure levels (close to the threshold of hearing) but which are also representative of the attenuation values of hearing protectors at higher sound pressure levels. An exception occurs in the case of amplitude-sensitive hearing protectors for sound pressure levels above the point at which their level-dependent characteristics become effective. At those sound pressure levels the method specified in this document is inapplicable, as it will usually underestimate sound attenuation for these devices. NOTE Due to masking from physiological noise in the occluded ear tests, sound attenuations below 500 Hz can be overestimated by a few decibels.
ISO 4869-2:2018
Acoustics - Hearing protectors - Part 2: Estimation of effective A-weighted sound pressure levels when hearing protectors are worn
This document specifies three methods (the octave-band, HML and SNR methods) of estimating the A-weighted sound pressure levels effective when hearing protectors are worn. The methods are applicable to either the sound pressure level or the equivalent continuous sound pressure level of the noise. Although primarily intended for steady noise exposures, the methods are also applicable to noises containing impulsive components. It is possible that these methods could not be suitable for use with peak sound pressure level measurements. The octave-band, H , M , L or SNR values are suitable for establishing sound attenuation criteria for selecting or comparing hearing protectors, and/or setting minimum acceptable sound attenuation requirements.
ISO 4869-3:2007
Acoustics - Hearing protectors - Part 3: Measurement of insertion loss of ear-muff type protectors using an acoustic test fixture
ISO 4869-3:2007 specifies a method for measuring the insertion loss of ear-muff type hearing protectors using an acoustic test fixture. The method is applicable to the investigation of production spreads of performance as part of type approval or certification procedures, and to the investigation of the change of performance with age. It is intended to ensure that ear-muff hearing protector samples submitted for subjective testing of attenuation according to ISO 4869-1 have performances typical of the type. The method specified in ISO 4869-3:2007 is not applicable as the basic test for type approval. Performance data obtained by this method are not intended to be quoted as representing the real-ear sound attenuation of an ear-muff, nor the protection provided by the ear-muff.
ISO/TS 4869-5:2006
Acoustics - Hearing protectors - Part 5: Method for estimation of noise reduction using fitting by inexperienced test subjects
ISO/TS 4869-5:2006 specifies a method for measuring noise reduction of passive hearing protectors at the threshold of hearing. The method is designed to provide estimates of the noise reduction obtained by typical groups of users in real-world occupational settings, who may lack the training and motivation to wear hearing protectors in an optimum manner. The principle of the test method is to measure the difference in hearing threshold with and without wearing a hearing protector. This difference between the thresholds constitutes the noise reduction. The measurement is done twice on a given number of test subjects. This test method yields data that are collected at low sound pressure levels (close to the threshold of hearing), but which are also representative of the noise reduction values of hearing protectors at higher sound pressure levels. ISO/TS 4869-5:2006 is inapplicable for level-dependent hearing protectors for sound pressure levels above the point at which their level-dependent characteristics become effective.
AS 2436-2010 (R2016)
Guide to noise and vibration control on construction, demolition and maintenance sites (FOREIGN STANDARD)
RECONFIRMATION NOTICE Technical Committee EV-010 has reviewed the content of this publication and in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change. Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this Reconfirmation Notice. Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation on 31 May 2016. The following are represented on Technical Committee EV-010: Acoustical Society of New Zealand Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants Australian Acoustical Society AUSTROADS Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia Department of Defence (Australian Government) Master Builders Australia Ministry of Health (NZ) National Acoustic Laboratories The University of Sydney
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 (R2016)
Occupational noise management - Hearing protector program (FOREIGN STANDARD)
Specifies administrative responsibilities associated with a hearing protector program; the selection, use and maintenance of various types of hearing protectors; and training and motivation in regard to hearing protector programs. RECONFIRMATION NOTICE Technical Committee AV-003 has reviewed the content of this publication and in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change. Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this Reconfirmation Notice. Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation on 7 December 2015. Approved for reconfirmation in New Zealand on behalf of the Standards Council of New Zealand on 18 May 2016. The following are represented on Technical Committee AV-003: Accident Compensation Corporation (New Zealand) Association of Australian Acoustical Consultants Australian Acoustical Society Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Australian Council of Trade Unions Department of Defence (Australian Government) Engineers Australia Ministry of Health (NZ) National Acoustic Laboratories New South Wales Nurses' Association New Zealand Audiological Society Worksafe Division, Department of Commerce, Western Australia WorkSafe Victoria
CSA Z94.2-14 (R2019)
Hearing protection devices - Performance, selection, care, and use
Preface This is the seventh edition of CSA Z94.2, Hearing protection devices - Performance, selection, care, and use. It supersedes previous editions published in 2002, 1994, 1984, 1979, 1974, and 1965. This edition expands on performance requirements and the rating schemes that might help the user select hearing protection devices. It now includes the widely used noise reduction rating (NRR) and an applicable derating scheme. This edition no longer includes physical performance and related testing requirements (such performance is no longer sought by Canadian users). It addresses acoustical performance measurements and includes revisions in the packaging marking requirements to clarify the use of the various ratings. Clauses 8 to 12 regarding the selection, care, and use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) have been expanded to include issues related to style and functions of hearing protectors not mentioned in previous editions, as well as the potential use of field attenuation estimation systems (FAES). Table 4, which specifies the selection of HPDs based on noise exposure levels, now requires octave-band noise measurements at exposures greater than 105 dBA. Although users of hearing protection devices are required to follow the criteria in Clauses 8 to 12 in order to comply with this Standard, reference should also be made to applicable local occupational health and safety regulations, which can require additional or superior performance. The CSA Subcommittee on Hearing Protection recognizes that significant variations in performance (as great as ± 20 dB attenuation) can occur depending on how an HPD is used. This Standard emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive hearing loss prevention program, including hazard assessment and instruction on the careful selection, proper wearing, and high-quality maintenance of hearing protection devices. It is the opinion of the Subcommittee that wearing HPDs without proper selection, care, and use can result in significantly lower attenuation for the user than that obtained from the tests specified in this Standard. This Standard should be used in conjunction with CSA Z1007, Management of hearing loss prevention programs, which is currently under development. CSA Z1007 covers all aspects of the creation and management of hearing loss prevention programs. CSA gratefully acknowledges the financial and in-kind support from the Canadian government departments responsible for occupational health and safety for the development of this edition of the Standard. Introduction This Standard deals with hearing protection devices (HPDs). They are used to reduce the noise level that reaches the ear of noise-exposed people and to reduce the annoyance and/or hazard of noise exposure. Of the many characteristics of HPDs, such as attenuation, comfort, and communication ability, this Standard focuses on attenuation. It specifies two methods of measuring the real-ear attenuation provided by HPDs and outlines how to use the results to estimate the sound levels reaching the protected ear. Several procedures for estimation of protected levels while wearing HPDs of varying accuracy and complexity are included in this Standard. The user may decide which one to use. Other related issues such as fit, care, use, overprotection, selection, and training are also addressed. The companion Standard, CSA Z1007, contains more detailed information. CSA Z1007 covers the use of HPDs as part of a comprehensive hearing loss prevention program. Scope 1.1 Clauses 4 to 7 cover performance, acoustical testing, and packaging requirements for personal hearing protection devices (HPDs). Clauses 8 to 12 cover the selection, care, and use of HPDs, which will contribute to an effective hearing loss prevention program. 1.2 The following types of HPDs are covered in this Standard: a) earplugs (including semi-inserts); b) earmuffs; and c) helmets, with or without electronic communication capabilities. 1.3 In this Standard, "shall" is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; "should" is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and "may" is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard. Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material. Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements. Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.
