ANSI/ASA published the first standard setting the criteria that fit-test systems should meet to improve accuracy and reporting of hearing fit test results. This new standard is titled ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018, American National Standard Performance Criteria for Systems that Estimate the Attenuation of Passive Hearing Protectors for Individual Users. This standard is the first of its kind worldwide and is a
Numbers and ratings can help us understand things, but often one number does not tell the whole story. Take for instance the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) and Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR). Both ratings can be used when trying to determine if a hearing protector is appropriate for a worker, but they are different. And while each are measurements of hearing
ANSI/ASA has published the first standard-setting the criteria that fit-test systems should meet to improve accuracy and reporting of fit test results. This new standard is titled ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018, American National Standard Performance Criteria for Systems that Estimate the Attenuation of Passive Hearing Protectors for Individual Users. This standard is the first of its kind worldwide. 1. What Does this
Have you heard about the new ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018 standard for hearing protection fit testing systems? Learn more about it here. Hearing protector fit testing has long been recognized as a best practice in hearing conservation by both regulators and professional organizations (OSHA, NIOSH, NHCA, 2008). Since then, more evidence suggests that hearing protection fit testing can change the practice and
Construction sites are loud. And yet often, they can be relatively quiet. Sounds and situations can change very quickly, and rarely are construction workers exposed to the same noise levels for the same amount of time from one day to the next. Furthermore, construction sites tend to be very busy places with large vehicles moving back and forth and equipment
People in many different types of industries work in noisy environments where they need to wear hearing protection devices (HPDs). Wearing HPDs is critical for addressing hazardous noise levels and helping to protect an individual’s hearing. However, as part of a risk assessment, it is also important to consider how HPDs may affect workers’ ability to hear the important sounds
