(Wednesday, 13 June 2012) - Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational illness. With this in mind, 3M’s Hearing Protection can play a vital part in avoiding employee ill health and limit the possibility of costly future litigation against the employer. At this year’s OSH Expo Africa 3M will showcase its Hearing Protection product range, along with other Occupational Health division categories, namely Masks and Respirators, Disposable Coveralls, Welding Eyewear and Reflective Material.


The OSH Expo Africa 2012 is an informative and exciting showcase of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) products and services that will provide OSH professionals with all the latest industry news, trends and the opportunity to view and source the most innovative products. This year, science-based company, 3M will showcase its Occupational Health division by hosting live demonstrations for their E-A-RFit Validation System and Respiratory Fit Testing.

With a key focus on hearing conservation programmes, the company will be displaying its 3M™ E-A-RFit™ Validation System, an objective, quantitative hearing protector fit-test system. It is technology that takes Hearing Conservation to the next level. Environmental controls, hearing protectors, and on-the-job training are the first steps to protecting your workers against noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).

The E-A-RFit™ system assists in achieving optimal fit through hearing protector selection and employee training. In less than eight seconds per ear, the system generates a personal attenuation rating (PAR) that indicates a worker’s noise reduction levels for a given fitting and hearing protector. Compare ratings across hearing protectors and fittings to determine best fit. Researchers at E-A-RCal Laboratory developed proprietary algorithms to analyze sound pressure inside ear canals. This in-the-ear testing procedure differs from many other systems on the market by providing quantitative data that does not rely on subject response.

Other products within the hearing protection category include a complete range of ear plugs and passive ear muffs designed to provide protection, comfort and ease of use. All Hearing Protection products are designed to be both practical and comfortable. Comfort is a priority, combining the correct level of noise protection with ease of use.

Contact Friedah Skhosana at 3M South Africa for product information: +27 11 806 2342.

-ENDS-

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About 3M: 3M is fundamentally a science-based company. We produce thousands of imaginative products, and we're a leader in scores of markets - from health care and highway safety to office products and abrasives and adhesives. Our success begins with our ability to apply our technologies - often in combination - to an endless array of real-world customer needs. Of course, all of this is made possible by the people of 3M and their singular commitment to make life easier and better for people around the world.

About 3M Respiration Protection product category: Sweeping, sanding, grinding, painting, spraying, welding, etc each creates a unique set of demands. The wide selection of 3M™ Respiratory Protection products helps you to protect yourself in a wide range of work environments. 3M Occupational Health and Environmental Safety Division (OH&ESD) is pleased to announce the introduction of our new 3M™ Particulate Respirator 8201V, N95.