SIST EN 458:2016
(Main)Hearing protectors - Recommendations for selection, use, care and maintenance - Guidance document
Hearing protectors - Recommendations for selection, use, care and maintenance - Guidance document
This document gives recommendations for the selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors.
Gehörschützer - Empfehlungen für Auswahl, Einsatz, Pflege und Instandhaltung - Leitfaden
Dieses Dokument gibt Empfehlungen für Auswahl, Einsatz, Pflege und Instandhaltung von Gehörschützern.
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Recommandations relatives à la sélection, à l'utilisation, aux précautions d'emploi et à l'entretien - Document guide
Le présent document fournit des recommandations relatives à la sélection, à l’utilisation, aux précautions d’emploi et à l’entretien des protecteurs individuels contre le bruit.
Varovala sluha - Priporočila za izbiro, uporabo, nego in vzdrževanje - Navodilo
V tem dokumentu so podana priporočila za izbiro, uporabo, nego in vzdrževanje opreme za varovanje sluha.
General Information
Relations
Standards Content (Sample)
SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 458:2016
01-junij-2016
1DGRPHãþD
SIST EN 458:2005
9DURYDODVOXKD3ULSRURþLOD]DL]ELURXSRUDERQHJRLQY]GUåHYDQMH1DYRGLOR
Hearing protectors - Recommendations for selection, use, care and maintenance -
Guidance document
Gehörschützer - Empfehlungen für Auswahl, Einsatz, Pflege und Instandhaltung -
Leitfaden
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Recommandations relatives à la sélection, à
l'utilisation, aux précautions d'emploi et à l'entretien - Document guide
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 458:2016
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
SIST EN 458:2016 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.
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SIST EN 458:2016
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SIST EN 458:2016
EN 458
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
March 2016
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 13.340.20 Supersedes EN 458:2004
English Version
Hearing protectors - Recommendations for selection, use,
care and maintenance - Guidance document
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Gehörschützer - Empfehlungen für Auswahl, Einsatz,
Recommandations relatives à la sélection, à Pflege und Instandhaltung - Leitfaden
l'utilisation, aux précautions d'emploi et à l'entretien -
Document guide
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 8 August 2015.
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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, 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: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2016 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 458:2016 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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SIST EN 458:2016
EN 458:2016 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 5
Introduction . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Symbols and abbreviations . 9
5 Types of hearing protectors . 9
5.1 Design forms . 9
5.1.1 Earmuffs . 9
5.1.2 Helmet mounted earmuffs . 10
5.1.3 Earplugs . 10
5.2 Function mode . 10
5.2.1 Basic function mode . 10
5.2.2 Level-dependent hearing protectors . 11
5.2.3 Active noise reduction (ANR) protectors . 11
5.2.4 Hearing protectors with external audio input . 11
6 Selection . 12
6.1 Principles . 12
6.2 Selection according to sound attenuation . 12
6.2.1 Guide to protection rating . 12
6.2.2 Sound attenuation in practice (Real-world attenuation) . 13
6.2.3 Acoustical selection methods . 13
6.2.4 Selection of combination of earmuffs and earplugs . 15
6.3 Selection according to work environment . 15
6.3.1 Factors of work environment – overview . 15
6.3.2 Acoustical factors . 15
6.3.3 Environmental factors (non-acoustic) . 17
6.4 Communication . 19
6.4.1 Essential work related speech communication, especially speech intelligibility . 19
6.4.2 Effects of over-protection . 19
6.5 Compatibility with other PPE . 19
6.6 Selection according to hearing protector types . 19
6.6.1 Earmuffs – General. 19
6.6.2 Helmet-mounted earmuffs . 19
6.6.3 Earplugs – General . 19
6.6.4 Hearing protectors with additional function modes . 20
6.7 Medical disorders. 20
6.8 Ergonomics and fitting . 20
6.9 Conformity with relevant requirements for incorporated electronics . 21
6.9.1 Intrinsic safety . 21
6.9.2 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) . 21
7 Use . 21
7.1 General . 21
7.2 Availability of hearing protectors . 21
7.3 Correct fitting . 21
7.3.1 General . 21
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7.3.2 Earmuffs . 21
7.3.3 Earplugs . 22
7.3.4 Fit check for hearing protectors . 22
7.4 Simultaneous use of hearing protector with other PPE . 22
7.4.1 General . 22
7.4.2 Protective clothing . 22
7.4.3 Spectacles . 22
7.4.4 Goggles . 22
7.4.5 Face shields . 22
7.4.6 Hoods . 23
7.4.7 Safety helmets . 23
7.4.8 Respiratory protection devices . 23
7.5 Speech intelligibility and signal audibility . 23
7.6 Instruction and training . 23
7.6.1 General . 23
7.6.2 Information . 23
7.6.3 Special instructions for use including training . 24
7.7 Period of use . 24
7.8 Leisure activities . 25
8 Care and maintenance . 25
8.1 General . 25
8.2 Hygiene and cleaning . 25
8.3 Inspection and replacement . 25
8.4 Storage . 25
8.5 Disposal . 25
Annex A (normative) Methods for assessing the sound attenuation of a passive hearing
protector . 26
A.1 General . 26
A.2 Octave band method . 29
A.3 HML method . 30
A.4 HML check method . 32
A.5 SNR method . 33
Annex B (informative) Method for assessing the sound attenuation of a hearing protector
for impulsive noise . 34
B.1 General . 34
B.2 Method . 34
Annex C (informative) Selection method for sound-restoration level-dependent hearing
protectors using HML-data . 36
C.1 General . 36
C.2 Method 1: HML Method . 36
C.3 Method 2A: HML check method - Measurement check . 37
C.4 Method 2B: HML check method - Listening method. 37
Annex D (informative) Selection method for active noise reduction hearing protectors . 38
Annex E (informative) Calculation method for hearing protectors with audio input . 39
E.1 General . 39
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E.2 Method . 39
Annex F (informative) Improving field performance and special instructions for use . 41
F.1 Improving field performance . 41
F.2 Special instructions for optimum use . 42
Annex G (informative) Further guidance on fit check methods for earplugs . 45
G.1 General information . 45
G.2 Fit check methods suitable for all types of earplugs . 45
G.3 Fit check method exclusive to custom moulded earplugs . 46
Annex H (informative) Noise Types . 47
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EN 458:2016 (E)
European foreword
This document (EN 458:2016) 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 September 2016, and conflicting national standards
shall be withdrawn at the latest by September 2016.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent
rights.
This document supersedes EN 458:2004.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria,
Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland,
Turkey and the United Kingdom.
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EN 458:2016 (E)
Introduction
This European Standard is intended to guide employers, supervisors and safety advisors. Additionally,
the standard gives information to all who need to use hearing protectors.
Hearing protectors are items of personal protective equipment (PPE) intended to reduce the harmful
effects that sound and noise may have on the hearing.
Guidance is provided on how to best select, use and take care of such devices. Tools to estimate the
noise exposure level, when a certain hearing protector is used, are also provided.
National bodies may develop national application documents based on this standard.
Hearing protectors are generally available in two main forms: earmuffs and earplugs. Both forms are
available with additional features and functions. All have their advantages and disadvantages in terms
of attenuation, comfort, ease of use, communication facilities and cost.
In hearing conservation programmes noise hazard areas are identified and the personal noise exposure
is assessed. Before a suitable hearing protector is considered, priority should be given to reducing noise
at source and/or reducing the exposure time.
If the use of a hearing protector is found necessary or advisable, choosing optimum devices is a complex
task. The most important concern is for the protector to provide sufficient attenuation.
It is often desirable to retain the ability to hear speech and warning signals. To achieve this, the hearing
protector should not overprotect. In particular, this needs attention at moderate noise levels.
Hearing protectors are supplied with attenuation data in various formats. The attenuation is expressed
in decibels and has been derived from laboratory tests. It is important to note that these data have been
achieved under controlled laboratory conditions using trained test subjects. Under real working
conditions, the attenuation achieved by the user may be lower than that generated by the laboratory
testing.
The performance of hearing protectors is subject to natural variability amongst users. Correct fitting,
training, regular inspection and user motivation are important to obtain the desired protection. Due to
the natural variability, it is not possible to calculate the exact attenuation that a certain hearing
protector will give for an individual. If a more accurate prediction is required, some form of individual
attenuation check can be made. At high noise level exposures it is advisable to seek expert advice. In
some cases dual protection i.e. the use of an earmuff and an earplug combination, may be required.
For hearing protectors to be effective they should be used at all times when the user is in a potentially
hazardous noise environment. When selecting hearing protectors, attention should be given to factors
influencing comfort and user preference.
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EN 458:2016 (E)
1 Scope
This European Standard gives recommendations for the selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing
protectors.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are
indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated
references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 352-1, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 1: Ear-Muffs
EN 352-2, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 2: Ear-plugs
EN 352-3, Hearing protectors — General requirements — Part 3: Ear-muffs attached to an industrial
safety helmet
EN 352-4, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements and testing — Part 4: Level-dependent ear-muffs
EN 352-5, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements and testing — Part 5: Active noise reduction ear-
muffs
EN 352-6, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements and testing — Part 6: Ear-muffs with electrical
audio input
EN 352-7, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements and testing — Part 7: Level-dependent ear-plugs
EN 352-8, Hearing protectors — Safety requirements and testing — Part 8: Entertainment audio ear-
muffs
EN 24869-1, Acoustics — Hearing protectors — Subjective method for the measurement of sound
attenuation (ISO 4869-1)
EN 61672-1, Electroacoustics — Sound level meters — Part 1: Specifications (IEC 61672-1)
EN ISO 4869-2, Acoustics — Hearing protectors — Part 2: Estimation of effective A-weighted sound
pressure levels when hearing protectors are worn (ISO 4869-2)
EN ISO 7731, Ergonomics — Danger signals for public and work areas — Auditory danger signals
(ISO 7731)
EN ISO 9612, Acoustics — Determination of occupational noise exposure — Engineering method
(ISO 9612)
EN ISO 9921, Ergonomics — Assessment of speech communication (ISO 9921)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1
daily noise exposure level (L )
EX,8h
A-weighted noise exposure level normalized to a nominal 8 h working day
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3.2
peak sound pressure level (L )
p,Cpeak
C-weighted instantaneous peak sound pressure level according to EN ISO 9612
3.3
national regulation level (L' )
NR
daily noise exposure level (L ) effective to the ear according to national regulations
EX,8h
Note 1 to entry: National laws or regulations will stipulate at which levels of exposure hearing protectors shall
be provided or used.
3.4
national peak regulation level (L' )
NR,peak
peak pressure level L effective to the ear according to national regulations
p,Cpeak
Note 1 to entry: National laws or regulations will stipulate at which levels of exposure hearing protectors shall
be provided or used.
3.5
effective attenuation
measure of protection afforded by the hearing protector for the user
3.6
over-protection
selection and use of a hearing protector with too high attenuation which may lead to a sense of isolation
and difficulties with perception of sounds
3.7
A-weighted sound pressure level (L )
p,A
sound pressure level with frequency weighting A according to EN 61672-1
3.8
A-weighted sound pressure level effective to the ear (L' )
p,A
A-weighted diffuse field equivalent sound pressure level under the hearing protector for the external
sound pressure level L
p,A
3.9
C-weighted sound pressure level (L )
p,C
sound pressure level with frequency weighting C according to EN 61672-1
3.10
A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level effective to the ear (L' )
p,A,eqT
A-weighted diffuse field equivalent sound pressure level under the hearing protector for the external
sound pressure level for time period T L
p,A,eqT
Note 1 to entry: For simplicity of notation, the subscript T is omitted throughout the following text.
3.11
effective daily noise exposure level (L' )
EX,8h
A-weighted diffuse field equivalent sound pressure level under the hearing protector for the external
noise exposure level L
EX,8h
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3.12
peak sound pressure level effective to the ear (L' )
p,Cpeak
C-weighted peak sound pressure level under the hearing protector for the external sound pressure level
L
p,Cpeak
3.13
flat frequency response
attenuation which is constant (or nearly constant) over the frequencies (H – L ≤ 9 dB)
Note 1 to entry: See A.1 for explanation of “H” and “L”.
4 Symbols and abbreviations
For the purposes of this document, the following symbols and abbreviations apply.
f centre frequency of the octave band in Hz
L equivalent sound pressure level
p,eq
L sound pressure level for a single octave band
p,oct
L , equivalent sound pressure level for a single octave band
p,oct eq
PNR predicted noise level reduction according to EN ISO 4869-2
APV assumed protection value APV according to EN ISO 4869-2
f f84
rms root mean square
L daily noise exposure level
EX,8h
L C-weighted peak sound pressure level
p,Cpeak
L' national regulation level
NR
L' national peak regulation level
NR,peak
L A-weighted sound pressure level
p,A
L' A-weighted sound pressure level effective to the ear
p,A
L C-weighted sound pressure level
p,C
L A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level
p,A,eqT
L C-weighted equivalent sound pressure level
p,C,eqT
L' A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level effective to the ear
p,A,eqT
L' effective daily noise exposure level
EX,8h
L' peak sound pressure level effective to the ear
p,Cpeak
NOTE For simplification of notation, the subscript T is omitted throughout the following text.
5 Types of hearing protectors
5.1 Design forms
5.1.1 Earmuffs
Earmuffs consist of cups which fit over the ears and are sealed to the head with soft cushions, usually
filled with foam and/or liquid. The cups are usually lined with sound absorptive material. They are
connected by a tensioning band (head band), usually made of metal and/or plastic. When the earmuff is
used behind-the-head or under-the-chin, a flexible head strap is sometimes fitted to each cup or to the
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head band close to the cups to support the earmuff. Some earmuffs have one cup intended only for the
left ear and the other only for the right ear. Earmuffs may be available in ‘medium size range’, ‘small size
range’ and ‘large size range’ types. ‘Medium size range' earmuffs will fit the majority of users. ‘Small size
range' or ‘large size range' earmuffs are designed to fit users for whom ‘medium size range' earmuffs
are not suitable.
Earmuffs are available with head bands, neck bands, chin bands and universal bands. Earmuffs with
neck bands and chin bands permit the s
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