Detectable Corded PU Ear Plug (200 pairs)

Description

Detectable Corded PU Ear Plug (200 pairs)

Detectable disposable ear plug. Comfortable fit thanks to the soft PU foam material. Corded for increased safety and visibility in food industry environments. Each pair comes inside a hygienic polybag with fitting instructions.

Detectable Corded PU Ear Plug (200 pairs) Key Features

• CE-CAT III
• Can be used in food industries (metal detectable)
• EN 352-2
• Individually packed for vending machines or easy distribution

What is the best hearing protection for my workforce and I?

If you are unsure on what the difference is between ear muffs and ear plugs and are worried you might buy the wrong PPE supplies then fear not, we have put together a short guide to help you choose.

What is the difference between ear muffs and ear plugs (updated 2021)?

As with all PPE supplies, a risk assessment should be undertaken before any decision is made.

3 Key considerations for chosing ear protection;

1. Identify Noise Levels – Know how much noise reduction you need, it might sound obvious, but the first consideration in choosing a hearing protector is whether it will block enough noise to reduce your exposure to a safe level.
2. Activity – Think about your worksite and job tasks and how this size will impact the user.
3. Suitability – Without compromising safety, decide what is most comfortable and convenient option for protection.

Key differences between Ear Muffs and Ear Plugs

Firstly, the most obvious difference is the size of the two items. Ear plugs are much smaller and easier to carry than Ear muffs as they are very light and easy to carry, some come with specially designed cases which easily fit into a pocket. On the other hand, ear muffs, are more difficult to carry and protect, making them more cumbersome for workers.

Secondly and most importantly, the main difference of ear plugs is the level of protection they provide, as they fit directly into the ear canal, therefore, ear plugs offer greater protection than ear muffs. Ear plugs are used in a variety of situations, for instance in very loud workplaces such as factories, airports, and foundries. Additionally, they can also protect worker’s ears from the intrusion of water, foreign bodies, dust or excessive wind, which is a useful benefit for some professions.

One final point, ear plugs are often chosen in areas with warmer climates as ear defenders can become uncomfortable in hot weather, so make for a more suitable ear protection solution when heat is a factor.

Earplugs Vs. Earmuffs Comparison Table

Earplugs	Earmuffs
Advantages: Portable, easy to carry around Doesn’t interfere with other personal protection equipment (ex: goggles, helmets, glasses, etc.) Can be worn comfortably in humid environments and hot work areas Convenient to use when working in tight or confined spaces	Advantages: Has a “one-size-fits-all” design Is a lot easier to put on than ear plugs Easily monitored and hard to misplace Less time and effort is required to put on and remove
Disadvantages: Requires more time to properly put on More difficult to put on and remove Requires that you keep your hands clean to avoid ear infection May cause discomfort inside the ear canal Its small size makes it easy to misplace Harder to see and monitor usage amongst workers	Disadvantages: Size and weight make it less portable May interfere with other personal protection equipment and vice versa Not suitable for use in hot, humid or confined environments

This makes ear plugs a great choice for anyone who has to wear helmets, safety glasses or working in conditions that need a lightweight approach with maximum protection.

EN 352-2 (SNR 36dB) standard explained – Hearing protectors – Ear plugs

EN 352-2:2002, specifies the constructional, design, performance and marking requirements for EN 352 compliant ear plugs. This includes specification for the sound attenuationthe reduction of the force, effect, or value of something, in this context noise levels. of the ear plugs, measured in accordance with EN 24869-1. Furthermore, ergonomic aspects of the ear plugs are addressed by taking into account the interaction between the wearer, device and, where possible, the working environment in which the device is likely to be used.

Ear plugs are tested for many of the properties outlined above in EN 352-1:

• Sizing and adjustability
• Materials and construction
• Resistance to damage when dropped
• Ignitability
• Minimum attenuation

There are, however, some small differences to testing methods in EN 352-2. Custom moulded ear plugs are not tested for sizing and adjustability, and with reusable ear plugs, the method of cleaning and disinfection specified is assessed to ensure it causes no significant alteration to the acoustic performance or to the material and construction properties.

Portwest Hearing protection range includes PPE with different level sound attenuation, to be adapted to various working environments giving the correct protection from dangerous noise, without isolating the workers. New models and colours for earmuffs allow a personalised choice.

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*Just how noisy is a shoot day?

Most 12-bore gunshots produce a sound of around 150 to 160 decibels (db), while a .30-06 rifle with a 24in barrel produces around the same. Consistent exposure to sounds of more than 95db is bad, and noises of more than 120db can cause permanent damage to your hearing in seconds. Our ear defenders can be used for shooting, with various SNRs available for most types of day out fun.

Top tip: Every hearing protection product will come with an SNR, and this allows you to compare the protection offered by different products in order for you to make the best decision. The higher the SNR level, the more protection the product gives.

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Here are the SNRs required to remain compliant at various noise levels: (noise calculator here)

Noise Level	Minimum SNR	Ideal SNR	Maximum SNR
85 dB	5	9 – 14	18
90 dB	10	14 – 19	23
95 dB	15	19 – 24	28
100 dB	20	24 – 29	33
105 dB	25	29 – 34	38
110 dB	30	34 – 39	43

Why you should choose us?

Rapid Fire Supplies is a trusted partner to many charities, local government, and businesses all over the UK and Eire. Our customers are assured by our products and service for many reasons.

• Firstly, we are proud members of BSiF, which means we ensure our products meet the highest standards of PPE through a vigorous checking process and are independently audited by BSiF every year.
• Secondly, we provide some of the leading brands in safety, brands that are trusted throughout the UK in healthcare and industry. For example, we are official distributors of Portwest and can offer their full range of Hearing protection and personal protective range.
• Thirdly, our uncompromising focus on customer service means we are always looking to improve our standards, service and value.

In short, customers who need a regular reliable supply of fully certified products can rely on our conscientious and responsible approach to business partnerships.