01
Purpose
The EN 352 series contains different parts for earmuffs, earplugs, mounted earmuffs and electronic/special hearing protectors according to product type.
Hearing ProtectionTECHNICAL PPE LIBRARY
EN 352
EN 352 Hearing Protector Standards Series
The EN 352 series contains different parts for earmuffs, earplugs, mounted earmuffs and electronic/special hearing protectors according to product type.
Product type
Hearing protector
Field focus
Code + product + conditions of use
TECHNICAL PRODUCT IDENTITY
EN 352
EN 352-xApplicable partSNRSingle number ratingH / M / LFrequency groupsSIZE / FITSize & fitAlways verify the actual product label, manufacturer technical documentation and conformity markings.
02
Typical use
Work areas where noise risk assessment requires hearing protection.
03
What to look for?
Check the applicable EN 352 part for the product type (e.g. -1, -2, -3), product markings and manufacturer SNR/H-M-L attenuation data.
CLASSES & SELECTION LOGIC
Technical classes in this standard
A class code is not a selection decision by itself. Interpret it together with task-specific risk assessment and manufacturer data.
EN 352-1:2020
Earmuffs
Current part for independent/headband earmuffs (with 2021 corrigendum).
EN 352-2:2020+A1:2024
Earplugs
Current part for earplugs.
EN 352-3:2020
Mounted earmuffs
Part for earmuffs attached to head-protection and/or face-protection devices.
EN 352-4…
Electronic / special types
Verify the relevant EN 352 part for level-dependent, active-noise-reduction, audio-input and other special products.
READ THE PRODUCT LABEL
Code & marking decoder
EN 352-xApplicable partPart number/edition applicable to the product type.SNRSingle number ratingOne manufacturer-declared overall attenuation indicator.H / M / LFrequency groupsAttenuation data for high/mid/low frequency groups.SIZE / FITSize & fitProduct size/fit range and fitting requirements.
READ THE PRODUCT IN THE FIELD
Where is the standard marking found?
Location varies by manufacturer and design. These are the first places to check; final verification must use the actual product and manufacturer documentation.
1
EN 352 part and product label on earmuff cup / headband
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
2
Earplug packaging and dispenser label
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
3
SNR and H/M/L data in manufacturer datasheet
The marking should be legible, durable and match the product.
STANDARD FAMILY
Standards often reviewed together
EN 352-1:2020Independent/headband earmuffs
EN 352-2:2020+A1:2024Earplugs
EN 352-3:2020Mounted earmuffs; verify the relevant part separately for electronic/special types
COMMONLY CONFUSED
They are not the same thing
Highest SNR ≠ automatically the best choice
Overprotection can unnecessarily reduce communication, alarms and situational awareness.
WRONG-SELECTION EXAMPLE
A typical field mistake
Choosing only the earmuff with the highest SNR without considering the noise assessment.
Why is this a problem?
Protection level should be assessed with actual noise spectrum, exposure and communication needs.
Better approach
Combine noise assessment, manufacturer SNR/H-M-L data and correct fitting.
WHERE IN THE FIELD?
Typical applications
01
Compressors
02
Grinding
03
Manufacturing
04
Construction
05
Turbines
06
Maintenance
HSE FIELD CHECK
30-second field check
Use for quick pre-checks. It does not replace certification, competent inspection or task-specific risk assessment.
CHECK FOCUS
Was protection level selected from the noise measurement/assessment?
CRITICAL MISTAKE
Choosing only the earmuff with the highest SNR without considering the noise assessment.
BETTER APPROACH
Combine noise assessment, manufacturer SNR/H-M-L data and correct fitting.
1
Was protection level selected from the noise measurement/assessment?
2
Are cushions/plugs clean, serviceable and undamaged?
3
Is it fitted correctly to achieve the expected acoustic fit?
4
Do helmet, eyewear or other PPE compromise the seal/fit?
5
Was over/under-protection considered together with alarm and communication needs?
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