EN 352-1:2002

EN 352-1:2002

Hearing protectors. General requirements Part 1: Ear-muffs

This part of the standard specifies requirements for construction, design, performance, marking and user information for earmuffs.

How to calculate dB(A)

dB(A) is the unit for the sound pressure level attuned to the sensitivity of the human ear. dB(A) is used for noise measurements as the sensitivity of the human ear is not the same for all sound frequencies.

How to decide on protection levels?

If an employee needs to raise their voice to be heard a few feet away, then the noise levels may be over 85 dB and immediate action should be taken. SNR is the simplest way of getting a general indication for the level of protection provided. In very simple terms the calculation would be:

(dB = Decibel level)

Noise Level 100 dB

Hearing Protector SNR – 30 dB

Noise Reaching Ear = 70 dB