We live in a world where people don’t always make the right choice. Health and safety professionals have a challenging job convincing
people to wear protective equipment for their own safety. You must combine compliance to standards and regulations and employee
safety, comfort, and even style. Everyone wants to look good, but they don’t always want to wear protective equipment. We know this
and it is why we continue to listen, test and add innovations to improve our products so people wear them longer.
We provide solutions for work situations requiring basic Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) through to environments that call for
the most sophisticated and comprehensive protection. Whether the customer is a single tradesperson, medium sized business or an
organisation employing thousands of workers, 3M has a workplace safety solution to meet your needs.
When job requirements call for special problem solving expertise, you can rely on 3M to use its diverse industry knowledge and
history of innovation to give you the confidence and power to protect your world.
The 3M range of solutions for worker safety includes:
• Respiratory Protection
• Hearing Protection
• Communications
• Eye, Head & Face Protection
• Welding Protection
• Spill Management
3M Safety brands you can trust:
TM
III
• Worker Visibility
• Detection & Monitoring
• Body Protection
Training and Support
3M’s team of Specialist Representatives are available nationally, to provide support and training that meet the needs of our customers.
Furthermore, our qualified and highly experienced team are able to assist customers by:
• Conducting initial and ongoing assessments of the workplace.
• Recommending appropriate respiratory, hearing, eye protection, communication and spill management solutions required to maintain
a safe work environment
• Providing technical advice about the correct use and maintenance of the solution that has been selected
• Facilitate on-site fit testing for both respiratory and hearing protection solutions, as required
No matter how effective a piece of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is, it will offer little or no protection if it is not fitted and/or
worn correctly. Proper inspection, cleaning and storage is vital for safety equipment that protects a worker’s health and well-being.
That is why we offer training programs that explain the correct way to fit, inspect, clean and store the PPE designed and
manufactured by 3M.
Technical Assistance
3M TechAssist is the ideal point of contact for your questions, especially when you require a prompt answer. Supported by trained
staff, TechAssist is an immediate link to the worldwide resources of 3M.
Customers can contact TechAssist to answer questions on product information, technical advice, guidance with product selection,
Australia/New Zealand Standards and other important information they need to know on a day-to-day basis.
See back cover for Technical Assistance contact details.
ANZ Distributor network
3M distributes our wide range of workplace safety products through a network of distributors, resellers and retailers throughout
Australia and New Zealand.
IV
Detection
ProtectionValidation
When it comes to protecting workers’ hearing, there is no one-size-fits-all solution.
Understanding the challenge requires accurate sound detection. Delivering the right solution
demands the right protection for the job. Verifying solutions calls for a validation system.
We deliver a complete set of tools needed to detect, protect and validate. It’s 3M hearing
protection solutions made innovatively easy.
1
Table of
Contents
Introduction
Selection Chart 3
The Solution – Detection, Protection & Validation 5
Industry User Profiles 7
Variable Noise Levels: Every environment is different, and
workers can face a wide range of sound levels throughout the
day and in different areas at the same facility.
Employee Communication: Many employees need to be
able to communicate easily with co-workers and listen for
workplace warning sounds, while being protected from
hazardous noise levels.
What Types of Sounds
The Human Factor: Each person is physically unique, so
there is no one-size-fits-all hearing protection solution. The key
to achieving optimal protection is having the best fit possible.
12-Gauge Shotgun
Basketball Game Crowd Noise
Chainsaw 110
Rock Concert
Motorcycle 100
Lawn Mower 90
160
120
105
Require Hearing Protection?
At home and work, it’s important to understand which sounds
may cause hearing loss and require hearing protection:
Work Scale Decibels (dBA)*Home Scale Decibels (dBA)*
160
150
140
130
120
110
100
90
Jet Takeoff 140
Jackhammer
Pneumatic Riveter
Hammer Drill 114
Tractor / Hand Drill 97
Belt Sander 93
135
124
Vacuum Cleaner 80
Mid-Sized Auto Interior 70
Conversation 60
Floor Fan 50
Refrigerator Hum 40
Rustling Leaves 30
Watch Ticking 20
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
10
20
City Traffic 78
Air Conditioning Unit 60
Electrical Transformer 45
*As reported by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/noisemeter.html
Other sources include: http://e-a-r.com/hearingconservation/faq-main.cfm,
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/chart-carpenters.html,
http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/Pages/quick.aspx
4
DetectionProtectionValidation
The Solution
3M Detection, Protection and Validation
As a global leader in sound and noise detection, hearing protection and fit test validation, 3M
delivers easy and comprehensive solutions to complex hearing protection challenges.
Accurate Noise Detection. The first step in solving the
challenge is to measure the noise levels facing your workers.
3M detection solutions make it easy to measure noise
hazards, so you can select the appropriate protection for the
job. Our detection instruments deliver accurate and reliable
measurements, and detection management software makes it
easy to report and share data.
Adaptable Hearing Protection. 3M delivers an unmatched
variety of innovative hearing protectors, making it easy to select
the right solution for the job. A variety of sizes and materials
are available, helping your team determine the right fit for
each person, and the right protection for the application. Our
innovative products are designed for comfortable, extended
wear, and they can help your team comply with your safety
program.
Fit Test Validation. Integrating hearing protector fit testing
into your hearing conversation program benefits everyone from
new hires to high-risk workers. The 3M
System makes it easier to fit, train and motivate workers and to
assess and manage the long-term performance of your hearing
conservation program.
™
E-A-Rfit™ Validation
5
3M’s broad range of hearing protection devices in a
variety of styles and materials helps you solve many of the
challenges facing workers in various environments.
666
Food Industry Worker
Susan works indoors at a food
processing plant in a damp,
refrigerated area. She leaves her
hearing protectors in throughout her
entire shift.
She needs metal detectable
earplugs or easy-to-clean earmuffs.
And they have to be comfortable.
“In my job, I don’t want
complicated hearing
protection. Just keep
it simple.”
Production Manager
John works indoors, and moves in
and out of noisy areas continuously
throughout the day. Most of the time he
is on the phone or a two-way radio.
He needs a hearing protection
sol
ution with wireless 2-way radio
communications and ambient
listening. In short, he needs to hear
and communicate in noisy areas to
do his job.
“ I need to be able to hear
my co-workers communicate
with me.”
7
Iron Worker
Bill works in hot and humid
environments, and often in tight
spaces. He’s constantly moving and
takes his earplugs out frequently.
He needs large-sized earplugs that
’t have to be rolled down before
don
inserting. If he’s also wearing
earmuffs, they need to fit within
his welding helmet.
“ I don’t like boring products.
Give me some interesting
choices for my hearing
protection.”
Machine Operator
Julia works at the same station
every day and wears safety glasses
throughout her entire shift.
She needs small-sized earplugs
muffs that are comfortable
or ear
for extended wear.
“ My hearing protection
has got to be comfortable.
That’s my top priority.”
8
DetectionProtectionValidation
9
3
3
AR332
A
3
A300
A2
9
A
228
AAAA2
2
Finding the Right Fit with the
™
3M
E-A-Rfit™ Validation System
The E-A-Rfit Validation System measures the level of employee
hearing protection by generating a Personal Attenuation Rating
(PAR) in just 10 seconds per ear. The PAR indicates a workers'
noise reduction levels for a given fitting and hearing protector.
The E-A-Rfit validation system assists employers in achieving
optimal fit through hearing protection selection and
employee training.
The 3M™ E-A-Rfit™
Validation System Helps You:
Fit, Train and Motivate
• Serves as a tool for training proper fitting techniques
and assessing fitting proficiency.
• Great for refitting or retraining after temporary threshold
shifts (TTSs) are detected.
• Motivates employees by helping them realise the control
they have in protecting their hearing.
Audit Your Team
• Establishes baseline values for new workers.
• Helps to identify workers receiving inadequate protection.
• Validates high protection levels required by workers in
high noise areas.
Assess and Manage
• Improves long-term performance of your hearing
conservation program.
The E-A-Rfit Validation System
An Integral Part of Your
Hearing Protection Program
Integrating hearing protector fit testing into your hearing
conservation program benefits everyone from new hires
to high-risk workers.
9
• Indicates which employees need further fit training
or alternative hearing protectors.
• After noise exposure data is input, the E-A-Rfit software can
help identify the most appropriate hearing protector(s) and
help minimize over/under protection.
PAR 28
Technology and Support from
the Hearing Protection Experts
Employee Education and
Training. The 3M Hear Force
Training provides valuable
on-site training and seminars
throughout Australia and New Zealand, helping employers
and their workers achieve their hearing conservation goals.
This training is based on AS/NZS 1269.3 and is conveniently
performed on-site at no cost. Whether it’s explaining
attenuation ratings or regulations, or providing the motivation
workers need to comply, 3M Hear Force trainers are available
to help you achieve your hearing conservation program
objectives. They’re experts in hearing conservation training and
will work with your team to help ensure your employees are
protected with the right equipment for their jobs.
™
reduction. Many factors, such as the relationship between
the size of the wearer and size of the hearing protector, and
how it has been inserted or fitted, can impact how effective
that hearing protector will be. That’s why it is so important to
have the E-A-Rfit validation system as part of your hearing
conservation program and the support of a hearing protection
team with over 40 years of expertise.
Innovation from the Experts. At 3M, we understand
the challenges of the workplace, the complexities of fitting
protection devices, and the importance of creating adaptable
solutions for maximising hearing protection. Our innovations
in noise detection, protection and validation are designed to
solve real-world challenges, providing our customers with the
advanced and comprehensive solutions needed to help protect
workers.
Understanding Sound Level Conversion (SLC
). A SLC
80
rating is determined based on how well the hearing protector
performed in a laboratory. However, each hearing protector’s
SLC
is not always a good estimate for workplace noise
80
80
10
DetectionProtectionValidation
Detection
Solutions
Detection is the first step in identifying where hearing protection may be needed.
3M delivers intuitive solutions for effective noise monitoring programs. Durable,
accurate, and easy-to-use instrumentation makes it simple to report and share
The 3M™ Noise Indicator NI-100 alerts the wearer to potentially dangerous noise
levels, helping identify areas where hearing protection may be needed. Users clip the
Noise Indicator to a shirt or jacket, and its LED light provides a clear indication when
noise levels exceed a potentially hazardous threshold. The NI-100’s small size and
lightweight design make it ideal for workers in a variety of industries.
• Affordable lightweight noise monitor with a durable, easy-to-use design
• Rechargeable battery that operates for up to 200 hours between charges
• Flashing green LED indicates if noise level is below 85 dBA
• Flashing red LED indicates noise level is above 85 dBA, indicating hearing
protection may be needed
Product NumberAbbreviated General DescriptionPackaging
NI-100Noise Indicator10 units/case
053-575
USB Cable Accessory for Battery Charging10 units/case
Sound Detector SD-200
The 3M™ Sound Detector SD-200 is a compact, lightweight sound level meter designed
for measurement of workplace noise levels. Its intuitive design makes it easy for users
to measure sound levels and helps determine the attenuation of hearing protection that
may be required. The integrating feature computes the average sound pressure level,
allowing for more accurate assessment of intermittent sound levels.
• Simple, user-friendly interface; green, yellow and/or red LEDs flash when preset
noise levels are reached
• A rechargeable lithium polymer battery operates up to 50 hours between charges
• Average sound pressure level delivers a steady reading where noise levels are
highly variable
• Features a Class/Type 2 microphone
• Measures Sound Pressure Level (SPL), Average value (L
Maximum value (MAX), Minimum value (MIN), Run-Time, Overload (OL) and
Under-Range (UR)
• Display range is 40 to 130 dB (Dynamic Range)
EQ/LAVG
), LED alert,
Product NumberAbbreviated General DescriptionPackaging
SD-200Sound Detector Kit, USB Cable, Windscreen1 unit/case
053-575USB Cable Accessory for Battery Charging10 units/case
SD-WSWindscreen1 unit/case
For more information on 3M's extensive range of detection products, please contact:
Air-Met Scientific on 1800 000 744 (AU) or Global Science New Zealand on 0800 734 100 (NZ)
12
DetectionProtectionValidation
Disposable
Earplugs
3M™ Disposable Earplugs, made from expandable slow-recovery foam, provide
the best combination of comfort and protection for most users. Once in the ear,
foam earplugs expand to conform to the unique shape of each ear, providing
a comfortable, custom fit. 3M provides a wide range of disposable roll-down
earplugs so you can choose the best solution for your individual needs.
13
3M™ E-A-R™ Disposable
Foam Earplugs
E-A-R™ Classic™ Earplugs
Classic earplugs were the industry’s first foam earplugs, virtually revolutionising hearing
protection. Today, the revolution continues. It meets more wearer and environmental needs
with its proprietary foams, preferred cylindrical shape, and proven in-ear comfort.
Available with Cord
Moisture Resistant
Reusable
Metal Detectable
Slow-Recovery Foam
No Roll-Down Required
Product NumberAbbreviated General DescriptionPackaging
The diameter of a Classic Platinum earplug is smaller than the Classic
earplug (and the same length) to help provide optimum comfort and
protection in narrow ear canals.
Available with Cord
Moisture Resistant
Reusable
Metal Detectable
Slow-Recovery Foam
No Roll-Down Required
Product NumberAbbreviated General DescriptionPackaging