From February 2006 significant changes are taking place regarding Noise at Work. Under this new EU noise legislation employers must provide suitable hearing protection where noise exceeds 80dB(A), all EU member states must comply with the new directive by February 2006 (exceptions may occur).

Continued exposure to noise above 80dB(A) could cause permanent hearing damages to workers. Many employees not affected under previous legislation will now have to be considered. For example people working in light industry, utility workers and public service employees may now be exposed and must be provided with adequate protection.
To aid end users with the difficult choice of choosing the correct hearing protector for the task E.A.R and Peltor have developed the “OPTIME ALERT SYSTEM”.
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RNR* > 110dB You will need to get a more accurate noise assessment. |
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RNR* 95dB - 110dB You are above the permited exposure level, hearing protection is compulsory. Ideal for all frequencies. |
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RNR* 94dB - 105dB You are above the permited exposure level, hearing protection is compulsory. Ideal for high and medium frequency noise. |
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RNR* 87dB - 98dB You are above the permited exposure level, hearing protection is compulsory. Ideal for high frequency noise. |
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RNR* 83dB - 93dB You are above the permited exposure level, hearing protection is compulsory. |
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RNR* < 85dB You do not have to wear hearing protection, but make it available to your workers. |
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Background
Choosing the correct hearing protection for your needs can be difficult; the hearing protectors shall neither over nor under protect the user. With his in mind E.A.R and Peltor have devised an easy to-use selection system that aids the correct choice of protection for the noise level.
Our system uses a simple, logically coloured classification to make the selection process easy. It has its roots in the highly appreciated marking used on the Peltor Optime range. The difference is that it is wider, i.e. covering more noise situations.
How to do?
Firstly find out what your noise level is, then look at the above and establish which band (RNR = Recommended Noise Rating) the noise level falls into. Take note of this icon and choose from the wide range of E.A.R and Peltor products featuring the correct icon.
Please note: At levels above 95dB you will need to get an accurate noise assessment to correctly select the product. Green and Yellow marked products are not suitable for use in low frequency noise.
Low Attenuation Products
E.A.R and Peltor have launched and will launch a new range of lower attenuating products to fulfil the needs of employees working at lower noise levels. It is as important to ensure workers are not over protected, as it is to make sure they have adequate protection. Over protected workers may feel isolated, may not be able to hear warning signals, can not converse with fellow workers. The likely outcome from this is the workers will remove their hearing protectors from time to time, which defeats the object of supplying hearing protection.
Compliance at the lower noise levels will prove a challenge as workers will not realise the danger, many will experience these levels in their day to day lives outside of the work place (nightclubs, power tools, car stereos, e.t.c.).
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See illustration to the right 1 - Short exposure can cause permanemt loss. 2 - Prolonged exposure moderate to severe loss. Wear hearing protectors with extra care. 3 - Prolonged exposure causes moderate to severe loss. Hearing protectors required. 4 - Prolonged exposure causes slight hearing loss. |
Marketing activities
To complement this launch E.A.R and Peltor have constructed a comprehensive marketing communication programme.
ADVERTISING
Over 90 full pages advertisement will be place in major Health & Safety magazines across Europe during the campaign (September 05 to May 06).
MAILINGS
We will be doing a couple of end users mailing autumn 2005 and a second phase will commence during February 06 in order to inform employers of their responsibilities under the new regulations.
EXIBITIONS
The major European Health and Safety show, A+A in October at Düsseldorf, is the launch of the Optime Alert System.
WEBSITE
E.A.R and Peltor have a special website covering the information, products, marketing material, e.t.c. concerning the new EU legislation.













