How ear defenders are tested at JSP

Consistent testing and inspection ensures that every JSP product meets strict standards of quality. In addition to independent testing for certification, ongoing monitoring and the BSI Kitemark? scheme for hearing protective equipment, JSP quality test every batch of ear defenders produced.?

Samples are taken from each batch for testing in the state-of-the-art QA laboratory. The ear defenders are unpacked and inspected then subjected to physical and acoustic assessments to verify high quality and performance levels.

Headband force and cushion pressure

The first test involves measuring the headband force and the area of the ear defender cushions to ensure that a safe and comfortable level of pressure is applied to the wearer's head. Samples are mounted on a test rig to measure the force exerted by the headband and determine cushion area, which are used to calculate cushion pressure.

Insertion loss

Samples are then tested for insertion loss, which measures sound levels at various frequencies with and without the ear defender fitted over a microphone. This assesses the noise reduction offered by the ear defender and produces a result in decibels (dB).

Insertion loss figures are similar to attenuation figures but differ slightly because sound level is measured by an artificial method instead of the human ear.

Drop test

Next is a drop test to assess construction of the ear defenders. Samples are dropped from a height of 1.5m on to a steel plate then inspected for damage.

Headband durability

To test durability, samples are placed on a mechanical stretching device which carries out 1000 cycles of stretching and relaxing the headband.?

Repeat headband force & insertion loss

The samples are conditioned for 16 hours then headband force and insertion loss assessments are repeated to ensure the performance has not altered outside set limits after the physical tests.?

Ignitability

Finally ignitability testing is carried out. A steel rod is heated to 650°C and used to test each part of the ear defender.

View the JSP ear defender range

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