Grand Prix winner
August 1st 2005

Anyone visiting the British Grand Prix in July this year was encouraged to use ear plugs supplied free by Silverstone to help counteract the noise levels reached during the event.

Noise levels around the track and hospitality areas can reach as much as 103dB on the actual race day. “We feel that we have a duty of care to our visitors to bring to their attention the need to wear hearing protection. We strongly recommend to all visitors that, due to the excessive noise levels experienced, especially during Formula 1 events, that they should wear hearing protection” explained Lesley Cox, health and safety manager at Silverstone.

“Earplugs were freely available at all information points” Lesley went on to explain “and are always available, free of charge, at all our events.” Silverstone has worked with 3M in the past as its ‘Official Hearing Protection Supplier’. Consequently, Silverstone asked 3M to supply their disposable earplugs for this year’s Grand Prix.

Steve Cadwallader-Jones from Powys County Council had the opportunity to use 3M’s newest addition to their hearing protection range when he went to the Grand Prix in July as a VIP visitor. Accompanying his VIP tickets was a bounty pack from 3M that contained its new, disposable earplugs. These are for protection against noise across a wide range of applications, have a higher level of attenuation (SNR 34 dB) and, due to their construction, may prove particularly suitable for people with narrow ear canals, who experience discomfort with existing plugs.

Steve won the 3M Hearing Competition that was run in the April issue of Health and Safety Matters. It tested reader’s knowledge of the forthcoming hearing regulations to be introduced on 15th February 2006. From the hundreds of correct entries received, his name was drawn as the winner.

“Thanks to 3M for providing the opportunit

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