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

Martin Liedtke

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.

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