NFPA 1500

NFPA 1500
4/28/04
10:19 AM
Page 1
NFPA 1500
UH-10 Headset Single-plug under helmet
radio transmit headset. (Red PTT located on
dome.) Adjustable volume, Noise-canceling
electret microphone, adjustable headstrap,
flex0style boom rotates for left or right dress,
comfortable liquid foam ear seals. 24 dB NRR.
2 Year Warranty
3025R Intercom Touch pad adjustable volume,
advanced noise reduction circuitry, rugged steel
casing, voltage range 12 to 57 volts maxinum.
Digital Message Recorder (DMR), Dual Radio
Monitoring and primary radio transmit
selection. 2 Year Warranty
7340 SW Durham Road
Portland, OR 97224 USA
1-800-527-0555
www.firecom.com
What does the
NFPA say
about hearing
protection?
NFPA 1500
4/28/04
10:19 AM
Page 2
5-11.1 Hearing protection shall be provided
for and used by all members operating or
riding on fire apparatus when subject to
noise in excess of 90dBa.
5-11.3 The fire department shall engage in
a hearing conservation program to identify
and reduce or eliminate potentially harmful
sources of noise in the work environment.
Where audiometric testing indicates a
significant hearing loss for a member, the
fire department shall address these conditions on an individual basis, as well as take
steps to control potentially harmful noise
exposure to any or all members.
NFPA 1500
A-5-11.1 The use of personal protective
equipment to limit noise exposure should
be considered as an interim approach until
the noise levels produced by vehicles,
warning devices and radios can be reduced.
Protective earmuffs are recommended for
firefighters due to the difficulties of proper
fit and insertion of earplugs.
Studies in some jurisdictions have indicated
that the most harmful noise exposure can
come from radios that are turned up loud
enough to be heard over the noise of
engines and warning devices. Ear muffs
are available that provide effective noise
attenuation and rapid donning. They
should also be provided with built-in
speakers and volume controls for radio
and intercom communications.
Are you aware of recent modifications
to NFPA 1901?
The NFPA apparatus committee is currently
considering "Annex D", suggesting that older
fire apparatus be brought up to current 1901
standards. The current standard requires
noise levels well below that found on older
fire apparatus, which means some form of
hearing protection will be required to meet
this recommendation.