GB/T 23466-2009Selection, use and maintenance of hearing protective equipment (English PDF)

Foreword

This document is in accordance with the provisions of GB/T 1.1-2020 "Guidelines for standardization work Part 1: Structure and drafting rules for standardization documents" Drafting.

This document replaces GB/T 23466-2009 "Guide to the selection of hearing protectors". Compared with GB/T 23466-2009, except for the structural adjustment and in addition to editorial changes, the main technical changes are as follows.

a) The terms and definitions of "earmuffs", "earplugs" and "protection rate" have been changed (see 3.2, 3.3, 3.7 and 3.2, 3.3 and 3.6 of the 2009 edition);

b) Added the terms and definitions of "8-hour equivalent sound level" and "40-hour equivalent sound level per week" (see 3.10 and 3.11);

c) Added symbols (see Chapter 4);

d) Deleted the general requirements for the combined use of earplugs and earmuffs (see 4.2.6 of the 2009 edition);

e) Added types of hearing protection equipment (see Chapter 5);

f) The general principles for the selection of hearing protection equipment have been modified (see 6.1, 4.1 of the 2009 edition);

g) Changed the selection requirements for hearing protection equipment, adding hearing protection equipment with basic functions and hearing protection equipment with electroacoustic and communication functions.

Requirements for selection of protective equipment (see 6.2.1, 6.2.2, 4.2 of the 2009 edition);

h) Changed the requirements for investigating workplace environment information (see 6.3.1.1, 4.3.1 of the 2009 edition);

i) The requirements for measuring octave band sound pressure levels have been changed (see 6.3.1.1, 4.3.1.2 of the 2009 edition);

j) The requirements for information on survey personnel have been changed (see 6.3.1.2, 4.3.2 of the 2009 edition);

k) Changed the requirements for determining the effective A-weighted sound pressure level and the screening of the sound attenuation value of hearing protection equipment (see 6.3.3.1, 6.3.3.2, 2009 edition, 4.5.1 and 4.5.2);

l) Changed the requirements for the selection of hearing protection equipment (see 6.3.3.3, 4.5.3 of the 2009 edition);

m) Added requirements for the impact of over-protection (see 6.3.3.4);

n) Added requirements for user training, precautions and feedback (see Chapter 7);

o) Added care and maintenance requirements (see Chapter 8).

1 Scope

This document specifies the selection method and use and maintenance requirements of hearing protection equipment.

This document applies to the selection, use and maintenance of hearing protection equipment for use in workplaces exposed to occupational noise.

This document is not applicable to protection against impulse noise.

2 Normative references

The contents of the following documents constitute the essential clauses of this document through normative references in this document.

For referenced documents without a date, only the version corresponding to that date applies to this document; for referenced documents without a date, the latest version (including all amendments) applies to this document.

GB/T 12903 Terminology of Personal Protective Equipment GBZ/T 189.8-2007 Measurement of physical factors in the workplace Part 8: Noise

3 Terms and Definitions

The terms and definitions defined in GB/T 12903 and the following apply to this document.

hearing protector

Personal protective equipment that protects hearing and prevents people from excessive noise stimulation.

[Source. GB 31422.1-2025, 3.1] 3.2 earmuffs Hearing protection consists of a cup that presses against the auricle or surrounds the auricle and fits tightly against the head.

[Source. GB 31422.2-2025, 3.3] 3.3 earplugs Hearing protection equipment that is inserted into the external auditory canal or blocks the entrance to the external auditory canal.

[Source. GB 31422.1-2025, 3.3] 3.4 sound attenuation for a given test signal, the difference in hearing threshold between the test subject without hearing protection and with hearing protection.

Note. Sound attenuation is expressed in decibels (dB).

Over-protection

The hearing protection equipment worn has too high sound attenuation performance, making it difficult for the wearer to receive the necessary sound signals, resulting in an uncomfortable feeling of being isolated from your surroundings.