Ear plugs in Rail

Ear plugs are used in the rail sector to protect employees from harmful noises, yet still allowing users to hear conversation, warnings, signals and trains. Especially when you’re on the track, awareness of your surroundings is very important. The ear plugs are kept in throughout the working day so there is no need to remove them, providing comfort and compatibility with any other PPE.

We have been supplying the rail industry for 10 years now for companies such as Network Rail, GWR, Southern Railway and Chiltern Railways. We are the only approved supplier of custom ear plugs to Network Rail. This involved a series of product testing to check the standard. Starting off with an original trial and then turning into an approved supplier.

SpeakHear® communication systems can be hard wired from a radio to ProtectHear® ear plugs.

With our ‘Try before you Buy’ we can offer businesses our ear plugs and communication accessories on trial for 1-10 people. This includes the initial visit, toolbox talks and support throughout the trial period of 8 weeks. We had a feature in 2016 in The Rail Professional Yearbook.

Contact us for more details.

Silicone ear plugs

ProtectHear® silicone ear plugs are made from a hypo-allergenic medical grade soft silicone, with a shore hardness of 25. This makes the product very soft but robust, fitting the ears comfortably. The ear plugs are designed to wear all day without removing, as you can still hear the environment. They can be cleaned with either mild soapy water or a wet wipe and the ear plugs have no moving parts, making them easy to clean. The silicone ear plugs have been tested by the HSE and was Model C in this test.

We have used the same silicone since the business started in 2000, handcrafted in our specialist laboratories. We provide a pouch to keep the ear plugs safe with a belt clip and instructions. This gives users a sense of ownership, as it’s something personal and unique compared to ear defenders and disposables. The up most service and education is offered to our customers, so people are aware why they are provided with ear plugs and how to take care of them.

What is Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) is caused by being exposed to harmful noise levels. Whether this be from having music or TV on too loud or under protected at work. The signs of NIHL may not become apparent until later on in life, Tinnitus can be a clear sign that your hearing has been damaged. For the workplace if the sound levels are above 80dB hearing protection is optional and recommended for those working in 80dB areas over long periods of time. At over 85dB it is mandatory to have hearing protection equipped, otherwise you are at risk of NIHL.

How can silicone ear plugs prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss?

ProtectHear® silicone ear plugs prevent Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus claims, the product fully protects your hearing. Still allowing a safe working environment as only safe sound is allowed through. Some users with standard hearing protection who are working and need to communicate may remove their ear plugs when wanting to talk to colleagues; this is a red flag as the user is not protected whilst communicating in the noisy area. ProtectHear® silicone ear plugs ensure the user is protected but not over protected, so communication with colleagues is effective.

The Health and Safety North 2017

ProtectHear® will be attending The Health and Safety North Show, being held at Event City Manchester.  The event will be 2 days from Tuesday 10^th October – Wednesday 11^th October, organised yet again by Western Business Exhibitions.

The event has lots of attractive benefits allowing visitors to look at the full programme of conferences, seminars and guest speakers. The Fire Safety North will also be co-located within The Health and Safety Show.

Once again this will be a great opportunity for ProtectHear® to promote products/services, aimed at stamping out claims on NIHL (Noise Induced Hearing Loss). Education is most important when talking about hearing protection, we are committed to giving employees insightful knowledge on how custom ear plugs can benefit.

Read more about our custom ear plugs.

The Safecontractor Scheme Renewal

ProtectHear® is proud to announce we have renewed our Safecontractor Scheme, this is essential for us to be compliant with the Health and Safety regulations expected in working on customer premises.

Safecontractor is a large private sector health and safety accreditation Scheme in the UK, with more than 30,000 clients the Safecontractor boasts a large portfolio.

Check out more of our accreditations and memberships.