[Code of Federal Regulations]

[Title 40, Volume 24]

[Revised as of July 1, 2006]

From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access

[CITE: 40CFR211.204-4]



[Page 179-180]

 

                   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 180]]





    (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]