We are pleased to announce the publication of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Revised Science Policy for determining the attenuation of hearing protection devices. Individual Fit-Testing Recommendation for Hearing Protection Devices is an update to the 1998 NIOSH Criteria for a Recommended Standard – Occupational Noise Exposure.
The 1998 criteria document stated that “ideally, workers should be individually fit tested for hearing protectors.” Given the lack of commercially available fit-test systems at the time, NIOSH recommended a variable derating of the labeled Noise Reduction Rating to estimate worker protection. As fit-test systems are now readily available, this NIOSH Science Policy Update recommends employers use individual, quantitative fit testing to evaluate the attenuation received by workers from their hearing protection devices.
To read the policy update and learn more please visit: NIOSH science policy update: individual fit-testing recommendation for hearing protection devices