PDF Price
$194.00
Add to cart
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.
ASA/ANSI S12.6-2016 (R2025)
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. The procedures consist of psychophysical tests conducted on human subjects to determine the real-ear attenuation measured at hearing threshold. Two fitting procedures are provided: Method A) trained-subject fit, intended to describe the capabilities of the devices fitted by carefully trained users, and Method B) inexperienced-subject fit, utilizes subjects with little or no experience with respect to the use of hearing protection, in order to approximate the attenuation that can be attained by groups of users as reported in real-world occupational studies. Regardless of test method, the attenuation data will be valid only to the extent that the users wear the devices in the same manner as during the tests. This standard does not address issues pertaining to computational schemes or rating systems for applying hearing protector attenuation values (see ANSI/ ASA S12.68), nor does it specify minimum performance values for hearing protectors, or addresscomfort or wearability features. Method A of this standard corresponds to ISO 4869-1:1990, Acoustics –Hearing protectors – Part 1: Subjective method for the measurement of sound attenuation, and Method B corresponds to ISO/TS 4869-5:2006, Acoustics – Hearing protectors – Part 5: Method for estimation of noise reduction using fitting by inexperienced test subjects.
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.
PDF Price
$164.00
Add to cart
ASA S12.13 TR-2002 (R2025)
Technical Report Evaluating the Effectiveness of Hearing Conservation Programs through Audiometric Data Base Analysis
This ASA Technical Report 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.
PDF Price
$145.00
Add to cart
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.
PDF Price
$144.00
Add to cart
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.
PDF Price
$164.00
$131.20
Add to cart
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.
PDF Price
$164.00
$131.20
Add to cart
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.
PDF Price
$110.00
$88.00
Add to cart
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.
PDF Price
$164.00
$131.20
Add to cart
AS 2436-2010 (R2026)
Guide to noise and vibration control on construction, demolition and maintenance sites (FOREIGN STANDARD)
This Standard provides guidance on noise and vibration control in respect to construction, demolition and maintenance sites. This Standard also provides guidance for the preparation of noise and vibration management plans, work method statements and environmental impact studies.
PDF Price
$164.00
Add to cart
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
PDF Price
$116.00
Add to cart
CSA Z94.2-2026
Hearing protection devices - Performance, selection, care, and use
Preface This is the eighth edition of CSA Z94.2, Hearing protection devices — Performance, selection, care, and use . It supersedes previous editions published in 2014, 2002, 1994, 1984, 1979, 1974, and 1965. This new edition aligns with CSA Z1007 and no longer specifies the SNR (SF84) single-number rating based on inexperienced subject-fit real-ear laboratory attenuation data in ASA/ANSI S12.6 data. Use of the Class method, NRR with derating, and the octave-band method with derating based on experimenter-fit real-ear laboratory attenuation data in ANSI S3.19 are continued. Use of PAR, now expanded, is the preferred selection method to better reflect the field performance of individual workers. Requirements regarding the selection, fit, care, and use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) are now contained in Clause 7. Complete information is provided on the selection of HPDs based on sound attenuation and noise level. In this edition, only limited information is provided on other selection criteria (comfort, communication needs and audibility, interference with other PPE, environmental factors) and on fit, care, and use of HPDs. Instead, tables are provided to point to the relevant clauses in CSA Z1007 where more complete information is available. Although users of HPDs are required to follow the criteria in Clause 7 in order to comply with this Standard, reference should also be made to applicable local OHS regulations, which can require additional or more stringent performance. Two annexes have been added to facilitate access to essential reference materials: Annex E provides the source text for the real-ear method in ANSI S3.19, while Annex F provides the source text for the NRR computation steps. Aspects of sustainability in manufacturing and packaging of hearing protector products have been added in Clause 4.3 in this new edition. The CSA Subcommittee on Hearing Protection recognizes that significant variations in effective protection (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. CSA Z1007 covers all aspects of the creation and management of hearing loss prevention programs. CSA Group acknowledges that the development of this Standard was made possible, in part, by the financial support of the Canadian Association of Administrators of Labour Law — Occupational Safety and Health (CAALL- OSH), including provincial and territorial governments, as well as the Government of Canada. CSA Group is solely responsible for the content of this Standard, and CSA Group and the funding bodies disclaim any liability in connection with the use of the information contained here This Standard is considered suitable for use for conformity assessment within the stated scope of the Standard. This Standard was prepared by the Subcommittee on Hearing Protection, under the jurisdiction of the Technical Committee on Occupational Hearing Conservation and the Strategic Steering Committee on Occupational Health and Safety, and has been formally approved by the Technical Committee. This Standard has been developed in compliance with Standards Council of Canada requirements for National Standards of Canada. It has been published as a National Standard of Canada by CSA Group. Scope 1.1 General Clauses 4 to 6 outline the requirements for HPD materials, laboratory sound attenuation measurements, physical tests, reporting, and packaging for manufacturers of HPDs to be used in occupational settings. Clause 7 covers the selection, care, and use of HPDs. This Standard specifies procedures for estimating the effective A-weighted noise exposure level while wearing HPDs based on laboratory sound attenuation measurements. In addition, this Standard also specifies the use of the hearing protector fit testing (HPFT) procedure, which evaluates the individual worker’s attenuation using field attenuation estimation systems (FAES). 1.2 Inclusions The following types of HPDs are covered in this Standard: earplugs, earmuffs, and acoustic helmets. The sound attenuation testing and reporting requirements set forth in this Standard apply to a) general (passive) hearing protection devices; b) the passive attenuation of electronic HPDs when the electronics are turned off; and c) amplitude-sensitive (passive level-dependent) HPDs at low levels. Note: Refer to Annex A for a comprehensive description of the different types and features of specialized HPDs. 1.3 Exclusions This Standard does not address the testing and reporting requirements related to specialized attenuation measurements and/or HPD features, such as a) special methods and metrics related to impulsive noise reduction of HPDs (such as the impulsive peak insertion loss (IPIL); b) level dependency of sound-restoration (active level-dependent) when the electronics are turned on; c) level dependency of amplitude-sensitive (passive level-dependent) HPDs at high levels; or d) active attenuation component of active noise reduction (ANR) devices. Note: Refer to ASA/ANSI S12.42 for guidance on the applicable methods for specialized attenuation measurements of HPDs. 1.4 Terminology 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.
PDF Price
$178.00
Add to cart