Making a difference: BSIF in action

Specifiers too will have criteria around brand, price, availability, compatibility, etc - hopefully also taking into account users’ preferences. This would be similar to the selection process for most PPE when choosing from a range with adequate performance, but ‘choosers and users’ need to be aware of an added complication when selecting helmet mounted earmuffs.

Most safety helmets have an accessory slot at each side for earmuffs, and many manufacturers offer helmet mounted earmuffs as an accessory. Often, the fitting points of many brands of helmet and earmuff are of a ‘standard’ size and style, and here a significant issue arises: If you select a helmet from one manufacturer, and earmuffs from another, they may well fit together, but unless you can see that they have been performance tested together there is nothing to show the earmuffs will provide the expected protection!

That is because one of the features determining the performance of earmuffs is the force produced by the spring arms that attach them to the helmet. This is to maintain the seal of the cushion around the ear, and performance requirements are different for helmet mounted earmuffs than for headband or neckband models. Without approval for use in combination you cannot assume that the earmuff will provide the expected protection.

The BSIF Hearing Protection Product Group has produced a guidance document to highlight this issue.

Suppliers offer a range of both products to give you the best choice, but if you want to use an earmuff with a particular helmet, check with your supplier to make sure they have been certified together. Remember, just because it fits, doesn’t mean it works.

Frank Angear, GM of BSIF