SOTA EPR01 Reusable Ear Plugs SNR 30dB

At Rapid Fire Supplies, not only do we believe in looking after people with our range of high quality safety products, but we also believe in looking after our planet.

And that’s why we use Kite Packaging, an environmentally conscious eco-packaging company, to package your products ready for delivery safely to your front door. 

They share our values and are committed to minimising their overall impact on the environment. Kite Packaging’s eco-packaging boxes maximise the use of recycled and recyclable materials and only work with suppliers who also recognise their environmental responsibilities – like us! Using eco-packaging allows our company to minimise the amount of packaging waste we produce and is a proactive approach to supporting our environment and planet.

We are proud to use Kite Packaging, especially as they are the only eco-packaging company to run a compliance Scheme (KES) for the Packaging Regulations. Additionally, they were one of the first eco-packaging organisations to be accredited with ISO 14001:2004.  Kite Packaging adopt a Replace and Re-Use strategy. Therefore replacing plastic packaging and products for the more environmentally friendly alternatives, such as recycled and recyclable products.

Kite Packaging supply a full range of environmentally friendly products that we use, including hive wrap: 

• 100% recyclable and biodegradable
• A sustainable alternative to foam and bubble
• Hive shaped cells interlock to firmly secure products
• No tape or glue required

And the enviro- box:

• Environmentally friendly, strong cardboard boxes
• Made from reinforced single wall cardboard
• Equivalent strength to double wall boxes, but use less material
• Some sizes are multi-scored, allowing you to reduce their height

Here at Rapid Fire Supplies, we continue to adapt to new technologies that can help us minimise our carbon footprint, eco-packaging is one of the ways we are actively doing this. When shopping with us, thanks to Kite Packaging’s eco-packaging, you are making an environmentally conscious choice.

UK Delivery and Ireland Delivery Options Quick View

We have a range of delivery options to suit our customers as we know every customer is unqiue. Below is a list of our standards options but we can always accommodate bespoke needs, simply call us on 03330 150 330.

The Rapid Fire Supplies team is always here to help, if you would like to speak to someone please contact us and we will happily answer your question.

EN 352-2 Standard explained

Hearing protectors – ear plugs

EN 352-2:2002, specifies the construction, 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 in testing methods in EN 352-2. Custom moulded ear plugs are not tested for sizing and adjustability. Additionally, 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.

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

EN 352-1:2002 – Hearing Protectors – Ear muffs

Ear muffs tested in accordance with EN 352-1:2002 must be labelled with the standard number, manufacturer and model identification. Where required, there should also be indication for the orientation of the ear muff e.g. ‘TOP’ and/or ‘LEFT’ and ‘RIGHT’.

Materials and construction

Any materials used to make the product that will come into contact with the skin must be non-staining and not likely to cause skin irritation, allergic reaction or other adverse effects on health. The device must be free from sharp edges to be considered safe for use, and cleaning and disinfection methods specified should not cause damage or impairment to the hearing protection.

Size and adjustability

This is tested to ensure that ear defenders are suitable for the range of head sizes designated by the manufacturer. With EN 352-1:2002 compliant products you should expect an adequate fit.

Cup rotation

Hearing protectors are measured to assess whether or not the rotation of the cups is sufficient. There must be enough rotation for wearers to adjust the device to achieve the best fit.

Headband force

There should be no excessive force on the wearer’s head.

Cushion pressure

There should be no excessive pressure on the wearer’s head.

Resistance to damage when dropped

For this test, the ear protection product is dropped from a specified height onto a solid steel plate. If part of the product cracks or breaks then it will fail the test.

Change in headband force

After the tests above have been completed, headbands are subjected to flexing for 1000 cycles, before being conditioned in a water bath at 50°C for 24 hours. Once complete the headband force is measured a second time. A maximum deviation between the 2 measurements determines whether it passes.

Resistance to leakage

This is specifically for ear muffs with fluid-filled cushions. A vertical load of 28±1 Newtons is applied to the cushion for 15 minutes and any leakage caused will constitute a test failure.

Ignitability

A steel rod heated to around 650°C is applied to the hearing protection device. If any part ignites or continues to glow after the removal of the rod then the device will fail the ignition test.

Minimum attenuation

The minimum attenuation value must be recorded for EN 352-1 compliant ear muffs. This is the lowest sound pressure level perceivable by the ear of 16 human test subjects with and without the hearing protection worn. It is then possible to calculate the performance of the model from these values.

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

The higher the SNR level, the more protection the product gives.