SIST EN 352-2:2021/kprA1:2024

Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 2: Earplugs

This document specifies requirements on construction, design, performance, marking and user information for earplugs.
In particular, it specifies requirements regarding the sound attenuation of the earplugs, measured in accordance with EN ISO 4869-1:2018.
This document applies to earplugs designed for users who are able to follow supplied instructions and understand the related risks, can fit the earplugs correctly and can give feedback on the performance.
Ergonomic aspects are addressed by taking into account, within the requirements, the interaction between the user, the device and where possible the working environment in which the device is likely to be used (see Annex ZA and EN 458).

Gehörschützer - Allgemeine Anforderungen - Teil 2: Gehörschutzstöpsel

Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Exigences générales - Partie 2 : Bouchons d'oreille

Varovala sluha - Splošne zahteve - 2. del: Ušesni čepi - Dopolnilo A1

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 25-Jul-2023
• ICS: 13.340.20 - Head protective equipment
• Technical Committee: OVP - Personal protecting equipment
• Current Stage: 98 - Abandoned project (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 30-Sep-2024
• Due Date: 05-Oct-2024
• Completion Date: 08-Oct-2024
• Directive: 2016/425 - Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2016 on personal protective equipment and repealing Council Directive 89/686/EEC
• Mandate: M/571 - COMMISSION IMPLEMENTING DECISION of 19.11.2020 on a standardisation request to the European Committee for Standardization and the European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization as regards personal protective equipment in support of Regulation (EU) 2016/425 of the European Parliament and of the Council
• Ref Project: EN 352-2:2020/FprA1 - Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 2: Earplugs

Relations

• Consolidated By: SIST EN 352-2:2021+A1:2024 - Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 2: Earplugs
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2024
• Amends: SIST EN 352-2:2021 - Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 2: Earplugs
• Effective Date: 28-Dec-2022

Overview

SIST EN 352-2:2021/kprA1:2024 is a European standard developed by the Comité Européen de Normalisation (CEN) that specifies general requirements for earplugs used as hearing protectors. It defines essential criteria covering the construction, design, performance, marking, and user information to ensure effective noise attenuation. The standard emphasizes measuring sound attenuation according to EN ISO 4869-1:2018. It applies specifically to earplugs intended for users capable of correctly fitting them, understanding associated risks, and providing feedback on product performance. Ergonomic interaction between the user, the earplug, and the workplace environment is also an integral part of these requirements.

Key Topics

• Construction and Design Requirements
  The standard mandates that earplugs are designed with materials and shapes that optimize comfort and protection. For banded earplugs, modifications detail the positioning of headbands-over-the-head, behind-the-head, or under-the-chin-to ensure proper fit and effectiveness.

• Performance and Sound Attenuation
  Earplug performance is quantitatively measured using standardized methods (EN ISO 4869-1:2018) to verify noise reduction capabilities. This ensures protection against harmful noise levels in various environments.

• Marking and Labeling
  Earplugs must be clearly marked with the generic standard identification “EN 352” series marking to ensure traceability and certification confirmation. Markings on packaging can be omitted if the earplugs themselves are suitably marked.

• User Information and Instructions
  The document prescribes comprehensive user guidance emphasizing proper fitting techniques and awareness of risks related to noise exposure. Updated amendment changes include references to the standard number and specific instructions related to banded earplugs.

• Ergonomic Considerations
  To support user comfort and compliance, ergonomic aspects are taken into account by evaluating interactions among the earplug device, the user’s anatomy, and the likely working environment as detailed in annexes referenced within the standard.

Applications

SIST EN 352-2:2021/kprA1:2024 is crucial for manufacturers, safety officers, and procurement specialists involved in selecting and producing hearing protection devices, particularly earplugs. Its practical value spans:

• Occupational Health and Safety
  Ensuring workers in noisy environments-construction sites, manufacturing plants, transportation, and other industries-receive earplugs compliant with recognized safety standards, enhancing hearing conservation programs.

• Product Development and Quality Assurance
  Guiding manufacturers in designing earplugs that meet regulatory requirements and user expectations, improving market acceptance.

• Regulatory Compliance
  Assisting organizations in meeting legal obligations under EU Directive 2016/425 on personal protective equipment, supporting safety audits and certifications.

• Ergonomics and Workplace Safety
  Facilitating risk assessments that consider how well earplugs fit and function in real-world environments, leading to better adoption and effectiveness.

Related Standards

• EN ISO 4869-1:2018 – Specifies methods for measuring sound attenuation of hearing protectors, which is referenced for performance testing in EN 352-2.

• EN 458 – Provides user instructions and practical guidance for hearing protection in the workplace.

• EN 352-1:2020 – General requirements for earmuffs, complementing earplug standards in hearing protector selection.

• EN 13819-1:2020+A1 – Details test methods for hearing protectors, including modifications relevant to banded earplugs introduced in the amendment.

Summary

SIST EN 352-2:2021/kprA1:2024 ensures earplugs meet high standards of noise attenuation, design, and ergonomic performance. By implementing this standard, manufacturers and users achieve effective hearing protection suitable for diverse working environments, complying with European health and safety legislation. When selecting hearing protectors, referring to EN 352-2 guarantees quality, reliability, and user safety in combating occupational noise hazards.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
SIST EN 352-2:2021/oprA1:2023
01-julij-2023
Varovala sluha - Splošne zahteve - 2. del: Ušesni čepi - Dopolnilo A1
Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 2: Earplugs
Gehörschützer - Allgemeine Anforderungen - Teil 2: Gehörschutzstöpsel
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Exigences générales - Partie 2 : Bouchons
d'oreille
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 352-2:2020/prA1
ICS:
13.340.20 Varovalna oprema za glavo Head protective equipment
SIST EN 352-2:2021/oprA1:2023 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

SIST EN 352-2:2021/oprA1:2023
SIST EN 352-2:2021/oprA1:2023
DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
EN 352-2:2020
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
prA1
May 2023
ICS 13.340.20
English Version
Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 2:
Earplugs
Protecteurs individuels contre le bruit - Exigences Gehörschützer - Allgemeine Anforderungen - Teil 2:
générales - Partie 2 : Bouchons d'oreille Gehörschutzstöpsel
This draft amendment is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 159.

This draft amendment A1, if approved, will modify the European Standard EN 352-2:2020. If this draft becomes an amendment,
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for inclusion of
this amendment into the relevant national standard without any alteration.

This draft amendment was established by CEN 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, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 352-2:2020/prA1:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

SIST EN 352-2:2021/oprA1:2023
EN 352-6:2020/prA1:2023 (E)
Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Modification to “European foreword” . 4
2 Modification to Clause 2, “Normative references” . 4
3 Modifications to Clause 3, “Terms, definitions, symbols and abbreviations” . 4
4 Modifications to Clause 4, “Requirements” .
...