Draft Details

1.1 General

Clauses 4 to 6 outline the requirements for HPD materials, laboratory sound attenuation measurements, physical tests, reporting and packaging for manufacturers of HPDs to be used in occupational settings.

Clause 7 covers the selection, care and use of HPDs. The Standard specifies procedures for estimating the effective A-weighted noise exposure level while wearing HPDs based on laboratory sound attenuation measurements. In addition, a procedure referred to as hearing protector fit testing (HPFT) that evaluates the individual workers’ attenuation using Field Attenuation Estimation Systems (FAES) is also specified.

1.2 Inclusions

The following types of HPDs are covered in this Standard:

a) earplugs;

b) earmuffs; and

c) acoustic helmets.

The sound attenuation testing and reporting requirements set forth in this Standard apply to:

a) general (passive) hearing protection devices;

b) the passive attenuation of electronic HPDs when the electronics are turned off; and

c) amplitude-sensitive (passive level-dependent) HPDs are at low levels. 

Note: Refer to Annex A for a comprehensive description of the different types and features of specialized HPDs.

1.3 Exclusions

This Standard does not address the testing and reporting requirements related to specialized attenuation measurements and/or HPD features such as:

a)    special methods and metrics related to impulsive noise reduction of HPDs (such as the impulsive peak insertion loss (IPIL);
b)    level dependency of sound-restoration (active level-dependent) when the electronics are turned on;

c) level dependency of amplitude-sensitive (passive level-dependent) HPDs at high levels; or

d)    active attenuation component of active noise reduction (ANR) devices.

Note: Refer to Standard ASA/ANSI S12.42 for guidance on the applicable methods for specialized attenuation measurements of HPDs.

1.4 Terminology

In this Standard, “shall” is used to express a requirement, i.e., a provision that the user is obliged to satisfy in order to comply with the standard; “should” is used to express a recommendation or that which is advised but not required; and “may” is used to express an option or that which is permissible within the limits of the standard.

Notes accompanying clauses do not include requirements or alternative requirements; the purpose of a note accompanying a clause is to separate from the text explanatory or informative material.

Notes to tables and figures are considered part of the table or figure and may be written as requirements.

Annexes are designated normative (mandatory) or informative (non-mandatory) to define their application.