LIST OF STANDARDS
EN352-1 - Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 1: Ear-muffs. The standard specifies requirements for the construction, design, performance, labelling and user information of ear-muffs.
EN352-2 - Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 2: Earplugs. The standard specifies requirements for the construction, design, performance, labelling and user information of earplugs.
EN352-3 - Hearing protectors - General requirements - Part 3: Ear-muffs attached to an industrial safety helmet. The standard specifies requirements for the construction, design, performance, marking and user information of ear-muffs fitted to industrial helmets.
Basic parameters of EN352
- fitability - the ability of ear muffs to adapt to different head sizes is assessed
- headband thrust force - the maximum headband thrust force is 14 N
- pressure force of damping pads - maximum force of damping pads is 4500 Pa
- damage resistance - the product is dropped from a height of 1.5 metres on a steel plate
- flammability - a rod heated to 650°C ± 20°C is touched to the surface of the product for 5 seconds; the surface must not ignite or glow when the rod is removed.
HEARING PROTECTORS ARE DIVIDED INTO:
Ear muffs.
Noise protection earmuffs.Noise protection earmuffs consist of two attenuating earcups that enclose the auricles and adhere to the head with soft sealing cushions usually filled with plastic foam or liquid. The damping bowls are usually filled with a sound-absorbing material. Ear muffs can be independent or attached to protective helmets.
Ear plugs (earplugs)
Ear plugs (earplugs) - are hearing protectors worn in the outer ear canal. They are designed to seal the ear canal tightly. Earplugs are divided into disposable and reusable earplugs. They can be shaped by the manufacturer (e.g. silicone) or shaped by the user (e.g. foam). There are also earplugs on a shackle, where the shackle acts as a pressure spring to hold the earplug inside or at the entrance of the ear canal. The bail can be worn on top of the head, under the chin or at the back of the head. The size of earplugs should be carefully selected for each wearer, as ill-fitting earplugs can cause discomfort or irritation of the ear canal.
