Posted By Paul Leadbetter Steven I don't know of a replacement for the Bilsom plugs preferred by your employee but I am sure that all manufacturers will be happy to provide some free samples. Paul

Posted By rjhills Contact Arco Ltd. They have a wide variety of ear plugs/muffs etc., and will send a rep out to speak to you about your requirements. They have offices all over the country, and deliver within a day when requested. I unfortunately do not have a current telephone no., but their NWest office is at Tenax Circle, Trafford Park, Manchester. Hope this helps!

Posted By David Buchanan Steve I have recently begun to push the use of reusable plugs within our group. These have been found to be very comfortable and simple to use. Many of our sites have traditionally used the expanding foam types but, unless the hands have been well cleaned before insertion, increase the risk of dirt ingress into the ear canal. Additionally the expansion sensation is less welcome. Consideration should be given to the degree of attenuation required with respect to the activities and noise levels generated within the workplace. If you over-attenuate, this will increase any sense of isolation from the worker's environment and inhibit the perception of alarms or warning signals, vehicle movements etc. Additionally, where a specific frequency is a particular problem, you would need to provide HP that would deal with it effectively - you would need a sound level meter capable of octave band analysis to identify this. The ear plugs I have recommended are the E-A-R Ultrafit (SNR 32dB), or the Howard Leight Air Soft plugs (SNR 30dB). Both are available from ARCO and work out at roughly 80-90p per pair. I think the recommendation is that they can be washed up to 50 times before they should be replaced. They are easily pushed into the ear using the standard technique and the rigid insertion sticks at the ends of the plug and also come with connecting cords. My personal preference is the EAR Ultratech, which has an SNR of only 21dB - thus making conversation in the workplace much easier to understand whilst still providing adequate attenuation for hearing protection. These are only available direct from E-A-R though (you won't get a free sample - I tried), and cost in the region of £11.50. At the top end of the ear plug market though would probably be the Noisebreakers from Emtec labs (http://www.emtec.freeserve.co.uk/prod01.htm). The company will arrange for impressions to be taken of the individual's ear and then mould a bespoke silicon plug which is 'tuned' to attenuate in response to the environment, but still allows the wearer to hear what's going on around them. They're not cheap (£65 + VAT), but they do last for 7 years and can be worn all day - most wearers apparently just leave them in, forget about them and go home with them still in.

Posted By Steven David - we have used emtec in the past, before my time, but not everyone are using them for one reason or another. I personally will be getting fitted out with a pair and anyone who has not got a pair will have the oppurtunity to be fitted also. Tracey - have you got a contact for Uvex? Steve

Posted By tracey christopher Hi Steven As required contact details for Uvex Main Office Tel 01252 725552 E-Mail WWW.uvex.co.uk E-Mail safety@uvex.co.uk Hope this helps Tracey