THE CLASS SYSTEM FOR NOISE LEVEL PRODUCTION Under the Standard AS/NZS 1270, there is a classification method for the selection of hearing protectors. Once the extent of the noise hazard has been determined by a noise level survey, the user simply applies this to the classification table below to select an appropriate hearing protector. The class system is a simple way to select hearing protection appropriate to the noise exposure.
EARPLUG FITTING INSTRUCTIONS
STEP 1
STEP 2
AVERAGE EXPOSURE dB(A) OVER 8 HOURS
CLASS
SLC80 dB(A) RANGE
1 2 3 4 5
Less than 90
10 to 13 14 to 17 18 to 21 22 to 25
90 to less than 95 95 to less than 100 100 to less than 105 105 to less than 110
26 or Greater
WHAT IS SLC80? SLC stands for Sound Level Conversion; it is a rating defined as the difference between the sound level of the environment in which the hearing protection device is worn, and the sound level reaching the wearer’s ears. The SLC value includes a correction to ensure that the stated degree of noise reduction is obtained on 80% of occasions hence the SLC80 rating.
STEP 3
STEP 4
HEARING PROTECTION STANDARDS
AS/NZS 1270:2002 ACOUSTICS - HEARING PROTECTORS This Standard specifies requirements for the design, materials, and performance of conventional hearing protectors. It also provides guidance on the general requirements for, and the physical and acoustic testing of, specialist hearing protectors. Under Standard AS/NZS 1270 hearing protectors are tested across a range of noise frequencies where a SLC80 rating is mathematically calculated. The results are stated as Class which is determined by the SLC80 rating obtained. The test results are found on the packaging of the hearing protector.
Content courtesy of
bunzlsafety.com.au | 5 1
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs