[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 40, Volume 22]
[Revised as of July 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 40CFR211.204-4]

[Page 177-178]
 
                   TITLE 40--PROTECTION OF ENVIRONMENT
 
         CHAPTER I--ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (CONTINUED)
 
PART 211--PRODUCT NOISE LABELING--Table of Contents
 
                  Subpart B--Hearing Protective Devices
 
Sec. 211.204-4  Supporting information.

    The following minimum supporting information must accompany the 
device in a manner that insures its availability to the prospective 
user. In the case of bulk packaging and dispensing, such supporting 
information must be affixed to the bulk container or dispenser in the 
same manner as the label, and in a readily visible location.
    (a) The mean attenuation and standard deviation values obtained for 
each test frequency according to Sec. 211.206, and the NRR calculated 
from those values. For ``muff'' type protectors with various use 
positions, the positions providing higher NRR values shall be 
identified, and their associated NRR values listed in bold type.
    (b) The following statement, example and cautionary note: ``The 
level of noise entering a person's ear, when hearing protector is worn 
as directed, is closely approximated by the difference between the A-
weighted environmental noise level and the NRR.

                                 Example

    1. The environmental noise level as measured at the ear is 92 dBA.
    2. The NRR is (value on label) decibels (dB).
    3. The level of noise entering the ear is approximately equal to [92 
dB(A)--NRR] dB(A).

    Caution: For noise environments dominated by frequencies below 500 
Hz the C-weighted environmental noise level should be used.''


[[Page 178]]


    (c) The month and year of production, which may be in the form of a 
serial number or a code in those instances where the records specified 
in Sec. 211.209(a)(1)(iv) are maintained;
    (d) The following statement: ``Improper fit of this device will 
reduce its effectiveness in attenuating noise. Consult the enclosed 
instructions for proper fit'';
    (e) Instructions as to the proper insertion or placement of the 
device; and
    (f) The following statement: ``Although hearing protectors can be 
recommended for protection against the harmful effects of impulsive 
noise, the Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is based on the attenuation of 
continuous noise and may not be an accurate indicator of the protection 
attainable against impulsive noise such as gunfire.''

[44 FR 56127, Sept. 28, 1979, as amended at 45 FR 8275, Feb. 6, 1980]