Safety Compliance Services is pleased to announce we have added a new service for our clients. Due to the inaccuracy of published Noise Reduction Ratings (NRRs) relative to actual noise attenuation achieved by hearing protection device users, we have been advising client personnel of NIOSH study results (see chart below) and OSHA recommended de-rating of NRRs as part of our hearing conservation training for many years. The attenuation provided to wearers with improperly fitted plugs or to individuals with narrow, sharply bending or slit-shaped ear canals may be only a fraction of the labeled laboratory values. Recently, several companies have developed technologies that allow for real-world determination of the attenuation achieved by each individual user of hearing protection devices. After researching the available technology over several months last year, we have selected and acquired the FitCheck Hearing Protection Measurement System by Michael & Associates, Inc. to allow us to provide fit testing services for hearing protection devices as part of our hearing conservation training.

The FitCheck system allows us to measure the attenuation provided by insert-type hearing protectors on the individual wearer. This capability eliminates the need for inaccurate safety factors and laboratory test methods that are designed to predict field attenuation. The noise attenuation provided to wearers of insert protectors varies widely across the general population. In its' recommendations to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), FitCheck has been identified by the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA) Taskforce as a superior alternative to relying on the labeled NRR of a hearing protector

In addition to ensuring the protection devices utilized are capable of providing each individual with adequate attenuation and aiding trainees in achieving proper fit through measured results, the FitCheck system also allows us to generate, and provide to management for record keeping, documentation of the specific attenuation achieved by each individual indicating proper protection was provided to the employee similar to the records generated by respiratory fit testing.

If you would like to discuss this service with us, or any other services we offer, please feel free contact us

[Image Source – NIOSH Preventing Occupational Hearing Loss - A Practical Guide]