Hearing Protection

Ear plugs protect the ears of workers from the noise emitted by an arc flash explosion, which can lead to permanent hearing loss, as well as physical or psychological stress. There are many types of ear canal inserts. Any cords used to connect them must be nonconductive.

Note that arc-ratings are required for primary PPE, such as arc-rated clothing. But arc-ratings are not defined for hearing protection. NFPA 70E states that all exposed skin is to be covered with arc-rated clothing, such that an earplug would not be the primary protection for an arc flash burn. The purpose of the earplug is to provide hearing protection only, not to provide any burn protection.