IDENTIFICACIÓN Y ANÁLISIS DE LOS POSIBLES FACTORES DE REDUCCIÓN DE LA ATENUACIÓN TEÓRICA DE LOS PROTECTORES AUDITIVOS

Abstract

Hearing Protection Devices (HPD) use is widespread at workplaces with noise exposure, places of application of the RD 286/2006 relating to protection of workers to this physical agent (Directive 2003/10/EC), sometimes HPD are being the only one preventive measure used at the companies with noise risk exposure. HPD selection is mostly based on the results of noise level measurements present at the workplace and in the ability of theoretical attenuation that they provide. This attenuation data (issued by the manufacturer) is often too optimistic when is compared with the real attenuation grade that provide "in situ", due to multiple technical and management factors in the manufacture process, that should be analyzed globally with sufficient breadth and detail. Therefore, in this work, from a whole of applicable normative and technical criteria accepted internationally, identifies and analyzes the key factors that influence in the observed difference between theorethical and real attenuation values, and proposing a set of structured and proper corrective and preventive measures to palliate the values discrepancy observed. Keywords: Safety and health management; Occupational noise exposure; Hearing protector devices (HPD); Attenuation; Assessment.