3.3 Suitability vs. Adequacy
PPE Regulations and Standards
- Adequacy: The hearing protector must provide enough attenuation to reduce the user's noise exposure to below the 87 dB(A) limit value, and preferably below the 85 dB(A) upper action value. It must not, however, over-protect. (See: [#best-practice-overprotection](#best-practice-overprotection))
- Suitability: The hearing protector must be appropriate for the individual, the environment, and the task. This includes factors like comfort, compatibility with other PPE, and the need to hear warning sounds. (See: [#best-practice-ppe-compatibility](#best-practice-ppe-compatibility), [#best-practice-communication](#best-practice-communication))
What it is: These two terms, central to the Control of Noise at Work Regulations and HSE guidance (L108), define the legal requirements for selected hearing protection.
- Adequacy:
The hearing protector must provide enough attenuation to reduce the user's noise exposure to below the 87 dB(A) limit value, and preferably below the 85 dB(A) upper action value. It must not, however, over-protect. (See: [#best-practice-overprotection](#best-practice-overprotection))
- Suitability:
The hearing protector must be appropriate for the individual, the environment, and the task. This includes factors like comfort, compatibility with other PPE, and the need to hear warning sounds. (See: [#best-practice-ppe-compatibility](#best-practice-ppe-compatibility), [#best-practice-communication](#best-practice-communication))
Why it matters for fit testing: Fit testing directly measures adequacy by providing a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR). It also contributes to suitability by helping to identify the most comfortable and effective protector for an individual from a range of options, increasing the likelihood of correct and consistent wear.