EN 352-4:2020
(Main)Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 4: Level-dependent earmuffs
Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 4: Level-dependent earmuffs
This European Standard is applicable to level-dependent earmuffs. It specifies requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information related to the inclusion of the level-dependent functionality.
Gehörschützer - Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen - Teil 4: Pegelabhängig dämmende Kapselgehörschützer
Dieses Dokument ist anzuwenden für pegelabhängig dämmende Kapselgehörschützer. Es legt für die Integration der pegelabhängigen Funktionalität Anforderungen hinsichtlich Konstruktion, Gestaltung, Leistung, Kennzeichnung und Benutzerinformationen fest.
Pegelabhängig dämmende Kapselgehörschützer sind dazu konstruiert, die Wiedergabe von Umgebungsgeräuschen zu ermöglichen, während sie bei hohen Pegeln eine Dämmung des Schalls bewirken. Sie können für die Anwendung in Umgebungen mit intermittierendem oder Impulslärm, in der gleichzeitig äußere akustische Warnsignale gehört werden müssen, eingesetzt werden. Dieses Dokument behandelt diejenigen Kapselgehörschützer, die mit einem elektronischen Schaltkreis für die Schallwiedergabe ausgestattet sind.
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Exigences de sécurité et essais - Partie 4 : Serre-tête à atténuation dépendante du niveau
Le présent document est applicable aux serre-tête à atténuation dépendante du niveau. Il spécifie les exigences en matière de construction, de conception, de performances et de marquage ainsi que les informations destinées à l'utilisateur pour ce qui concerne l'incorporation de la fonctionnalité d'atténuation dépendante du niveau.
Les serre-tête à atténuation dépendante du niveau sont conçus pour restituer les sons externes tout en assurant l'affaiblissement des sons à des niveaux élevés. Ils peuvent être sélectionnés pour une utilisation dans des environnements de bruit intermittent ou impulsionnel ainsi que dans des lieux où il faut pouvoir entendre des sons avertisseurs de danger. Le présent document concerne de tels serre-tête équipés d'un circuit électronique de restitution du son.
Varovala sluha - Varnostne zahteve - 4. del: Naušniki, prilagodljivi ravni hrupa
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 17-Nov-2020
- Technical Committee
- CEN/TC 159 - Hearing protectors
- Drafting Committee
- CEN/TC 159/WG 2 - Amplitude sensitive hearing protectors
- Current Stage
- 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
- Start Date
- 18-Nov-2020
- Due Date
- 16-May-2019
- Completion Date
- 18-Nov-2020
Relations
- Effective Date
- 25-Nov-2020
- Effective Date
- 23-Apr-2014
Overview
EN 352-4:2020 - published by CEN - is the European standard for level-dependent earmuffs (earmuffs with an electronic sound restoration circuit). It specifies safety requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information that are specific to the level-dependent functionality. The standard ensures restored low-level environmental sounds are audible while high-level sounds are attenuated to protect users from harmful noise exposure.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Scope: Applies to level-dependent earmuffs designed to restore external sounds and attenuate high-level sounds; intended for intermittent or impulse noise where warning signals must be heard.
- Definitions: Includes terms such as sound restoration circuit and criterion levels (H, M, L) used to characterize level-dependent behaviour.
- Performance / Criterion levels:
- Criterion levels are determined per test procedures in EN 13819-3:2019 (clause 7.2.2).
- For products intended only for impulse-type noise: minimum criterion levels H, M and L = 85 dB(A).
- For products not limited to impulse-only use: minimum criterion levels H = 97 dB(A), M = 96 dB(A), L = 94 dB(A).
- The criterion levels are established to limit A‑weighted equivalent diffuse-field related sound pressure at the ear to 85 dB(A) when the restoration circuit is at maximum volume.
- Marking: Use the marking requirements in EN 352-1:2020 (or EN 352-3:2020 as appropriate). No extra marking is required specifically for level-dependent functionality.
- Manufacturer’s instructions: Must include a reference to EN 352-4:2020; indicate the level-dependent feature; provide the measured criterion levels; battery-check/charging/replacement instructions; warnings about battery-related performance deterioration and operational checks; and a warning if the product is not suitable for high continuous noise (when it only meets impulse-only criteria).
Applications and who uses this standard
- Practical uses: selection, design, testing and certification of level-dependent hearing protectors for environments where situational awareness is required (e.g., intermittent or impulsive noise workplaces where warning signals must be heard).
- Primary users: manufacturers, PPE designers, test laboratories, conformity assessors, safety managers and procurement teams responsible for hearing protection and compliance with EU PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425.
Related standards
- EN 352 series (family): EN 352-1, EN 352-2, EN 352-3, EN 352-5… (EN 352-4 is part of this family)
- Test methods: EN 13819-1, EN 13819-2, EN 13819-3:2019
- Guidance: EN 458 (selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protection)
Keywords: EN 352-4:2020, level-dependent earmuffs, hearing protectors, criterion levels, EN 13819-3, PPE Regulation 2016/425, CEN.
Frequently Asked Questions
EN 352-4:2020 is a standard published by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN). Its full title is "Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 4: Level-dependent earmuffs". This standard covers: This European Standard is applicable to level-dependent earmuffs. It specifies requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information related to the inclusion of the level-dependent functionality.
This European Standard is applicable to level-dependent earmuffs. It specifies requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information related to the inclusion of the level-dependent functionality.
EN 352-4:2020 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
EN 352-4:2020 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to EN 352-4:2001/A1:2005, EN 352-4:2001. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
EN 352-4:2020 is associated with the following European legislation: EU Directives/Regulations: 2016/425, 89/686/EEC; Standardization Mandates: M/571, M/571 AMD 1, M/BC/CEN/90/2. When a standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Union, products manufactured in conformity with it benefit from a presumption of conformity with the essential requirements of the corresponding EU directive or regulation.
You can purchase EN 352-4:2020 directly from iTeh Standards. The document is available in PDF format and is delivered instantly after payment. Add the standard to your cart and complete the secure checkout process. iTeh Standards is an authorized distributor of CEN standards.
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-april-2021
Nadomešča:
SIST EN 352-4:2001
SIST EN 352-4:2001/A1:2006
Varovala sluha - Varnostne zahteve - 4. del: Naušniki, prilagodljivi ravni hrupa
Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 4: Level-dependent earmuffs
Gehörschützer - Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen und Prüfungen - Teil 4:
Pegelabhängige Kapselgehörschützer
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Exigences de sécurité et essais - Partie 4 : Serre-
tête à atténuation dépendante du niveau
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 352-4:2020
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
EN 352-4
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
November 2020
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.20 Supersedes EN 352-4:2001
English Version
Hearing protectors - Safety requirements - Part 4: Level-
dependent earmuffs
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Exigences de Gehörschützer - Sicherheitstechnische Anforderungen
sécurité et essais - Partie 4 : Serre-tête à atténuation und Prüfungen - Teil 4: Pegelabhängige
dépendante du niveau Kapselgehörschützer
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 18 June 2018.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2020 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 352-4:2020 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
Introduction . 4
1 Scope . 5
2 Normative references . 5
3 Terms and definitions . 5
4 Requirements . 6
4.1 General . 6
4.2 Performance . 6
4.2.1 Criterion levels . 6
4.2.2 Criterion levels for products intended for use in impulse-type noise situations only . 6
4.2.3 Criterion levels for products not intended for use in impulse-type noise situations
only . 6
5 Marking . 6
6 Manufacturer's instructions and information . 7
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the essential
requirements of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the
Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment aimed to be covered. 8
Bibliography . 9
European foreword
This document (EN 352-4:2020) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 159 “Hearing
protectors”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by May 2021, and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by November 2023.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes EN 352-4:2001, EN 352-4:2001/A1:2005.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request given to CEN by the European
Commission and the European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of
EU Regulation(s).
For relationship with EU Regulation(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
In comparison with the previous edition, the following technical modifications have been made:
Clause/Paragraph/Table/Figure Change
Clause 4 new requirements on criterion levels added
Clause 5 removed, reference to EN 13819-3:2019, 7.2.2 added
Annex A removed
Annex B removed, reference to EN 13819-3:2019, 7.2.2 added
NOTE 1 The technical changes referred to include the significant technical changes from the EN revised but
is not an exhaustive list of all modifications from the previous edition.
NOTE 2 The modifications include previously issued guidance documents according to Article 24 §11 in the
EU Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment. No changes have been made to minimum
safety requirements. The modifications do not affect the state of art of the product requirements for these
products.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of
North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the
United Kingdom.
Introduction
The requirements of the standard are concerned with the level-dependent performance of the earmuffs.
The criterion levels within this standard are determined to limit the sound pressure level effective to
the ear to 85 dB(A).
EN 352-4 is part of a family of standards describing product requirements:
— EN 352-1, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 1: Earmuffs
— EN 352-2, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 2: Earplugs
— EN 352-3, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 3: Earmuffs attached to head
protection and/or face protection devices
— EN 352-4, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements — Part 4: Level-dependent earmuffs
— EN 352-5, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements — Part 5: Active noise reduction earmuffs
— EN 352-6, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements — Part 6: Earmuffs wit
...
SIST EN 352-4:2021は、レベル依存性イヤーマフに関する欧州規格EN 352-4:2020を基にした文書であり、主に音響保護機器における安全要求事項を明確に定めています。この規格は、レベル依存性の機能を持つイヤーマフの構造、デザイン、性能、マーキング、ユーザー情報に関する要求事項を詳細に説明しています。 この標準の強みは、特に安全性と性能の一貫性を確保するために設計された点にあります。レベル依存性イヤーマフは、周囲の音を評価しながら高音圧レベルから使用者を守る機能を持ち、これにより作業環境での安全性が向上します。この特性は、特に工業現場や建設業での作業者にとって非常に重要です。 また、SIST EN 352-4:2021は、製品の設計段階から必要な安全基準を考慮しているため、メーカーにとっても製品開発における指針となる重要な文書です。マーキングやユーザー情報の要件の明確化は、消費者が製品を正しく使用し、安全性を最大限に引き出すために必須です。 このように、SIST EN 352-4:2021は、レベル依存性イヤーマフの設計及び使用における安全性と性能を確保するための基盤を提供しており、現代の安全基準において非常に関連性の高い規格と言えます。
SIST EN 352-4:2021 표준은 레벨 의존 헤드폰에 관한 유럽 표준으로, 이 표준의 범위는 레벨 의존 기능이 포함된 귀 보호 장비에 중점을 두고 있다. 이 문서는 구조, 설계, 성능, 마킹 및 사용자 정보에 대한 명확한 요구 사항을 정의하고 있어 사용자와 제조업체 모두에게 중요한 기준을 제공한다. 이 표준의 강점은 그 세분화에 있다. 레벨 의존 헤드폰은 사용자가 외부 소음을 적절히 차단하면서도 주변 소리를 인식할 수 있도록 설계되었기 때문에, 소음이 있는 환경에서도 안전하게 대화할 수 있는 기능을 제공한다. 이는 특히 산업 현장이나 소음이 심한 환경에서 일하는 사람들에게 필수적이다. 또한, SIST EN 352-4:2021 표준은 귀 보호 장비의 성능을 평가하는 데 있어 과학적이고 체계적인 접근 방식을 따르고 있다. 이로 인해 품질이 보장된 귀 보호 장비를 생산할 수 있으며, 사용자에게 신뢰할 수 있는 선택지를 제공한다. 특히 마킹 및 사용자 정보를 명확하게 규정함으로써 사용자의 이해도를 높이고, 제품 선택 시 필요한 정보를 쉽게 확인할 수 있는 장점을 갖추고 있다. 따라서, SIST EN 352-4:2021은 레벨 의존 헤드폰 제조에 있어 필수적인 표준으로, 현대 산업에서의 안전과 효율성을 동시에 추구할 수 있도록 돕는다. 이 표준의 relevance는 귀 보호 장비의 설계와 제조 과정에서의 고유한 필요성에 있다.
La norme EN 352-4:2020, intitulée "Protecteurs auditifs - Exigences de sécurité - Partie 4 : Casques antibruit à atténuation de niveau", définit des critères essentiels pour les casques antibruit dotés d'une fonctionnalité d'atténuation de niveau. Son champ d'application se concentre sur les exigences de construction, de conception, de performance, de marquage et d'informations à fournir à l'utilisateur spécifiquement liées à cette fonctionnalité. Un des points forts de cette norme est qu'elle garantit non seulement la sécurité des utilisateurs en cas d'exposition à des niveaux sonores excessifs, mais elle favorise également la communication dans des environnements bruyants. Cela est particulièrement pertinent dans les secteurs industriels où le bruit peut porter atteinte à la santé auditive des travailleurs, tout en permettant des interactions essentielles pour la sécurité. De plus, la norme aborde des éléments cruciaux concernant la performance et le confort des casques antibruit. Les exigences de conception veillent à ce que les produits soient non seulement fonctionnels mais également adaptés pour une utilisation prolongée, un aspect souvent négligé dans les standards antérieurs. Par conséquent, la norme EN 352-4:2020 s'affirme comme une référence incontournable pour les fabricants et les utilisateurs de protecteurs auditifs. La clarté des exigences de marquage et d’information utilisateur dans cette norme contribue à une meilleure compréhension et sensibilisation des utilisateurs finaux. En fournissant des directives précises sur la manière dont les équipements doivent être utilisés et entretenus, cette standardisation apporte une valeur ajoutée significative en matière de sécurité au travail. En somme, la norme SIST EN 352-4:2021 représente un avancement notable dans le domaine des protecteurs auditifs à atténuation de niveau, intégrant des exigences modernes qui répondent aux défis contemporains de sécurité sonore. Son adoption est essentielle pour toute entité soucieuse de la sécurité et du bien-être de ses collaborateurs dans des environnements à risque sonore.
Die Norm EN 352-4:2020 legt die Sicherheitsanforderungen für levelabhängige Gehörschutzstöpsel fest. Diese europäische Norm ist von zentraler Bedeutung, da sie die grundlegenden Anforderungen an Konstruktion, Design, Leistung, Kennzeichnung und Benutzerinformationen für die levelabhängigen Funktionalitäten definiert. Ein hervorstechendes Merkmal der Norm ist ihre umfassende Abdeckung der Sicherheitsanforderungen, die sicherstellen, dass die Gehörschutzstöpsel nicht nur einen effektiven Lärmschutz bieten, sondern auch eine adäquate Wahrnehmung von Umgebungsgeräuschen ermöglichen. Dies ist besonders relevant in Arbeitsumgebungen, in denen sowohl Schutz vor schädlichen Lärmpegeln als auch das Hören von Warnsignalen oder Gesprächspartnern erforderlich ist. Die Stärken der Norm liegen in ihrer klaren Struktur und den detaillierten Vorgaben, die eine konsistente Qualität und Leistung der levelabhängigen Gehörschützer gewährleisten. Die Norm berücksichtigt sowohl die ergonomischen Aspekte als auch die Nutzerfreundlichkeit, sodass eine hohe Akzeptanz bei den Anwendern gefördert wird. Die spezifischen Anforderungen an die Kennzeichnung und Benutzerinformationen tragen dazu bei, dass Anwender genaue und relevante Informationen über das Produkt erhalten, was deren Sicherheit weiter erhöht. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass die EN 352-4:2020 nicht nur die technischen Anforderungen an die levelabhängigen Gehörschutzstöpsel präzisiert, sondern auch einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Sicherheit am Arbeitsplatz leistet. Die Relevanz dieser Norm kann nicht hoch genug eingeschätzt werden, insbesondere in Industrien, in denen Lärmreduzierung und Sicherheitsbewusstsein von höchster Bedeutung sind.
The EN 352-4:2020 standard is a critical document within the field of occupational health and safety, specifically focusing on level-dependent earmuffs. The comprehensive scope of this standard addresses the essential safety requirements for hearing protectors, ensuring that these devices not only provide noise attenuation but also incorporate level-dependent functionality for heightened auditory awareness. One of the primary strengths of EN 352-4:2020 lies in its detailed specifications regarding construction and design. This standard emphasizes that level-dependent earmuffs must be constructed using materials and designs that facilitate effective noise reduction while allowing users to hear important environmental sounds at safe levels. This dual functionality is particularly relevant in workplaces where communication and awareness of surroundings are crucial, such as in construction or emergency response sectors. The performance criteria outlined in the standard are robust, ensuring that level-dependent earmuffs deliver consistent and reliable protection under various conditions. This establishes a clear benchmark for manufacturers, leading to enhanced product quality in the market. Additionally, the inclusion of comprehensive marking and user information requirements enhances usability, allowing end-users to understand the product's features and limitations, which is vital for maintaining safety in various environments. Moreover, the relevance of EN 352-4:2020 extends beyond regulatory compliance; it plays a significant role in shaping workplace practices around hearing conservation. The standard serves to educate both employers and employees on the importance of proper hearing protection, ultimately fostering a culture of safety in organizations that prioritize worker health. In conclusion, EN 352-4:2020 stands out as a pivotal standard, emphasizing not only the importance of hearing protection but also the advancements in technology that allow for intelligent sound management through level-dependent earmuffs. Its thoroughness in addressing safety requirements makes it a valuable reference for manufacturers, safety professionals, and users alike.
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