How loud is it in food plants?
| Machine | Average | Measurements |
|---|---|---|
| Meat bowl cutter | 91.6 dB(A) | 150 |
| Multihead weigher | 89.7 dB(A) | 107 |
| Sausage clipping machine | 87.9 dB(A) | 40 |
| Bottle washer | 87.7 dB(A) | 115 |
| Labelling machine | 86.9 dB(A) | 205 |
| Bottle filler | 86.5 dB(A) | 120 |
Many of these values are above the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), so hearing protection must be worn there.
What detectable means
Detectable earplugs contain metal; on EarProtect EP1227BD it is in the cord, which is made of PVC with brass. If an earplug falls into production, the line’s metal detector can find it. Whether it does so reliably depends on the detector, its sensitivity and the product. Test detection with a sample on your own line.
Why blue?
Blue hardly ever occurs in food. A blue earplug stands out immediately on the belt, in the mix or in the packaging, even where there is no detector.
In practice
- Allow only detectable hearing protection in production areas and record this in the HACCP plan.
- Issue at the entrance to the hygiene area, dispose of in designated bins.
- With a cord, the earplugs hang around the neck during breaks and cannot fall into the product.
- Consider overprotection when selecting: at levels around 87 dB(A), EP1227 disposable foam earplugs attenuate more than necessary by calculation, and so does the detectable version EP1227BD with H/M/L 37/35/30 dB.
What to look for when buying
- Which part is detectable: the cord, the earplug or both?
- Blue colour for visual inspection.
- Proof that it is hearing protection: EN 352-2, CE mark with identification number, declaration of conformity.
- Samples for testing on your own metal detector.
- Packaging that suits issue in the hygiene area, such as dispenser boxes.
The EP1227BD detectable earplugs meet these points: blue PU foam earplugs, cord made of PVC with brass, SNR 37 dB to EN 352-2:2020, 1000 pairs in dispenser boxes of 100 pairs each. Samples are available on request.
Frequently asked questions
What are detectable earplugs?
Earplugs with metal-containing parts that metal detectors on production lines can pick up. On EP1227BD, the cord contains brass.
Why are detectable earplugs blue?
Blue hardly ever occurs in food and therefore stands out immediately.
Do food plants need hearing protection?
Often, yes. According to the BGN, meat bowl cutters, multihead weighers and bottle washers average 87 to 92 dB(A).