Hearing Protection Fit Test

Hearing protection fit testing provides a quantitative assessment of your employees’ earplugs and earmuffs, ensuring that they meet Australian safety standards.

ENVSS’ hearing protection fit testing is a 10-minute test capable of testing both earplugs and earmuffs. It utilises quantitative testing methods to achieve objective results, rather than relying on the subjective responses of employees.

Testing at seven standard frequencies (ranging from 125Hz to 8000hz), both ears are assessed in under five seconds. We use these results to determine a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) for each piece of equipment.

In addition to the assessment of equipment, ENVSS’ fit test provides additional training and reporting in a three phase process. The process is designed to ensure that your employees’ earplugs and earmuffs comply with stringent safety standards.

  • Detailed Assessment and Testing: Using qualitative testing methods, we assign a PAR to each piece of hearing protection equipment to determine the protection it provides. This assessment also identifies employees who are receiving inadequate protection and validates protection levels required by workers in high noise areas.
  • Proper Equipment Use Training: We train each employee in how to properly fit their earmuffs and earplugs and assess their proficiency in doing so. This helps establish baseline values for new employees and motivates existing staff by showing them the control they have over their own hearing protection.
  • Comprehensive Reporting: ENVSS provides reports detailing the fit, PAR and overall effectiveness of each employees’ hearing protection equipment. This documentation is crucial for your compliance with occupational health and safety standards and helps maintain safety records.

We conduct hearing protection fit tests at our facility at 10 Bermondsey Street, West Leederville. The facility is a controlled environment with advanced testing technologies that ensure a precise result. Alternatively, our fit tests can be conducted on site using our fully equipped mobile service, guaranteeing minimal disruption to your operations.

Hearing protection fit tests can be easily arranged either through an existing account or via a prepaid booking.

What do I bring to a hearing protection fit test? All you need to bring to a hearing protection fit test with ENVSS is the earplugs and earmuffs you would like tested.

Why do my workers need hearing protection fit testing? Earplug and earmuff fit testing is mandatory on many sites across many industries in Australia. ENVSS fit tests to Australian Standards AS/NZ 1269.3:2005 Occupational Noise Management, Part 3 Hearing Protector Program to ensure your compliance.

Who requires hearing protection fit testing? Hearing protection fit testing is required by anyone who wears earmuffs or earplugs as a form of hearing protection. This includes workers in: mining, fire and rescue, construction, motorsport, military, aviation and marine.

How much protection do employees achieve with earplugs or earmuffs? Rating methods for hearing protection equipment can be skewed by idealised laboratory conditions. As a consequence, while some workers may achieve the level of protection published on a product’s package, many will not. Hearing protection fit testing with ENVSS provides a precise rating for the earmuffs and earplugs used by your employees.

Why is quantitative testing the best method for hearing protection fit testing? Quantitative hearing protection fit testing is objective, allowing ENVSS to provide you with documentation for compliance reporting. ENVSS measures each employee’s level of protection and provides a PAR for their equipment.

Where can I do a hearing protection fit test? We conduct our fit testing in our dedicated facility at 10 Bermondsey Street, West Leederville. Alternatively, ENVSS also has a fully equipped mobile service which can conduct testing on your site. This option ensures minimal disruptions to your daily business operations.