A Web App for Avoidance of Hazards Arising from Combinations of Personal Protective Equipment - Measurements on Reduction of Sound Attenuation of Ear Muffs by Goggle Sidepieces
Invited paper
IFA der DGUV
Wednesday 3 june, 2015, 11:20 - 11:40
0.4 Brussels (189)
Abstract:
Many workplaces require different types of personal protective equipment (PPE)
to be used simultaneously, since protection is required at the same time
against exposure to multiple hazards and/or for several parts of the body. The
items of PPE used must therefore be mutually compatible and must not impair
each other in their protective function. Compatibility of devices, being
members of different types of PPE, is often not (yet) covered satisfactorily
by standards. Due to this deficit there is not any comprehensive and clearly
arranged information available on the effects of risks or impairment of
serviceability, when PPE are used simultaneously which are not fully
compatible.
Relevant information is made accessible to all stakeholders concerned how to
detect and avoid risks arising from combinations of PPE by a web app, which
will be presented. It is available at: http://www.dguv.de/webcode/e549573
This compilation of the observations made may be useful during risk
assessments. The issue is more difficult in the case of complex mutual
influences, such as the combination of PPE against falls from a height with a
respiratory protective device. In such cases, the employer must be able to
rely on the expertise of the manufacturers and of the testing and certifying
bodies.
A combination of equipment for eye/face protection and hearing protection may
significantly reduce the sound attenuation properties of ear muffs, for
example owing to thick goggle sidepieces. Measurements revealed that thick
goggle sidepieces reduced the sound attenuation significantly. Results of some
measurements conducted by the SUVA will be presented.