Hearing protection – The importance of approved combinations

Did you know that it is mandatory to use fitted ear muffs and wearers that are officially approved to be used together according to the PPE Regulation 2016/425 (EU)?

Different variants hearing protection

There are many types of hearing protection, but the two simplest categories at a high level are earplugs and earmuffs. Within earmuffs there are different variants that are typically described as

1. Over-the-head (headband), they also include foldable
2. Earmuffs suitable for mounting on head protection or face protection
3. Earmuffs with a neckband – these products are normally worn behind-the-head with the aid of a head strap to keep them secure around the ears

We focus here on the 2nd category: ear muffs that can be mounted on head and/or face protection. They are sometimes called ‘loose’, “mountable” or ‘attachable’ ear muffs. The main feature of this type of hearing hood is that it cannot be used on its own and needs a “carrier”.

View our range of attachable hearing protection

Verschillende soorten ‘dragers’

There are multiple types of ‘carriers’, most commonly earmuffs are attached to industrial safety helmets. They usually have an accessory slot which allows them to be mounted with earmuffs and other accessories, such as face shields. Often the fitting points or accessory slots are a ‘standard’ size that might support a ‘standard’ adaptor on an attachable earmuff, meaning one earmuff could attach to or support multiple types of helmet design. Even though it might be physically possible to attach an earmuff to a helmet, it does not necessarily mean that the combined unit is fit for use without the necessary testing and certification.

Download technical bulletin for more information

Webinar – EN 352:2020 Adoption & Compatibility Updates

3M regularly holds webinars. Want to see what other webinars there have been recently? Click here for more.