Tower Supplies - 01202 718000

......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... ......................................... Corded Ear Plugs Ear Muffs Accessories Betafit Ear Plugs Banded Protectors 01 Hearing Hearing Protection It is estimated around 30% of UK workers are exposed to hazardous levels of noise at some point during their working day and over 10% are exposed at all times. Noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the most common health issues facing companies today and whilst NIHL is permanent and irreversible, it is also 100% preventable. Noise induced hearing loss develops gradually and symptoms of long term damage are often undetectable for years. Before operating loud machinery, be sure to review your workplace requirements and ensure all employees are efficiently equipped. The current rule of thumb for hazard detection is that if noise levels make it necessary to shout to communicate with an individual three foot or less away, then protective equipment is required. Legislation dictates that if the sound levels of an environment reach 80 decibels, hearing protection is recommended, but not mandatory. When sound levels exceed 85 decibels, hearing protection must be made available and worn to all who encounter it. When selecting your hearing protection, be sure to find the pair that fit your exact needs. Protection that cuts out too much sound, can make it hard to communicate, cause isolation and in turn a reluctance to wear. Alternatively too little protection, will not be sufficient in filtering damaging sound and could leave you vulnerable to hearing damage. Be sure to select hearing protection that is compatible with your working environment. Choose something that’s comfortable, will be suitably hygienic for the average period of wear and if required, can be worn with other protective equipment, such as hard hats, dust masks and eye protection. It is also advisable to calculate the SNR score you require before selecting hearing protection. An SNR score or Single Number Rating, is a calculated figure that provides a general indication of the potential protection a product gives in a noisy environment. The SNR is the noise level, minus 30dB, to produce the decibel level the wearer must be protected from (providing sound barriers are correctly fitted and worn). See our guide on selecting hearing protection (below) for more information. Tower provide an array of ear muffs, plugs and accessories to help defend you and your workforce from a variety of noise hazards. Ear plugs are available in two varieties, reusable and disposable. The reusable range can last weeks and with a little washing in soap and water can be used by an individual again and again without compromising on the product performance, thus saving money and waste. The disposable, although less cost effective, can promote better hygiene, reducing the risk of wearers damaging ear canals with unsanitary plugs. They both come in a variety of bright and eye catching colours to help avoid loss and our ranges are designed to provide the most comfortable wear possible. Easy to insert, they are favoured over ear muffs by those who work in hot and humid conditions and performance can be equal or greater to some muffs. Available in pre-shaped designs for simple and comfortable insertion into the ear canal, the ear plug is the most versatile and compact hearing protection option available. When distributed via a dispenser, our range of plugs are the most popular option for a mobile and varying workforce, as protection is accessible to all people at all times. Ear muffs are often considered the more hygienic choice and are ideal for those who have, or are susceptible to ear infections. They are also highly suited to those who handle unsanitary or dirty items as part of a regular working day. Available in our Trade Shop today Icon