The new ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018 standard for hearing protection fit test systems is here and the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation Fit-Test System is now compliant!
OSHA has recommended fit testing as a best practice in hearing conservation since 2008. ANSI/ASA recently published the first standard setting the criteria that fit-test systems should meet to help ensure accurate measurements and transparent reporting of fit-test results. This new standard is titled ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018, American National Standard Performance Criteria for Systems that Estimate the Attenuation of Passive Hearing Protectors for Individual Users.
Hearing protector fit testing is a way to measure the amount of noise reduction, or attenuation, a hearing protector provides while it is being worn by a specific individual. This real-world measurement is referred to as a “Personal Attenuation Rating” or PAR.
3M recommends workers fit test their hearing protectors. So, like respirators, the worker can better understand the level of protection they can achieve with a properly fitted hearing protector.
Download the technical bulletin to learn more about fit testing, see some benefits other companies have realized, and learn why OHSA and NIOSH say it's a best practice.
Hearing Protection Fit Testing: What, Why and How | Technical Bulletin (PDF, 591 KB)
OSHA has acknowledged that hearing protection fit testing is a best practice in hearing conservation for over a decade (OSHA/NIOSH/NHCA, 2008).
OSHA has stated that fit testing can be used to help meet the requirements for training and for ensuring proper initial fit and correct use of hearing protectors. (OSHA, 2016).
The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation System makes it easy to measure every employee's unique level of attenuation through hearing protection fit testing and helps take the guesswork out of managing compliance in your hearing conservation program.
- Tests both ears simultaneously in less than 5 seconds
- Earmuff and Earplug testing capability
- Tests at 7 standard frequencies - 125Hz to 8000Hz
- Science-based, objective, quantitative testing
- Compliant with ANSI/ASA S12.71-2018
View the 3M™ E-A-Rfit™ Dual-Ear Validation Products
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