In food production plants, workers are exposed to the constant noise of mixers, conveyor systems and other manufacturing equipment. Earplugs are a critical form of PPE for hearing protection, but they also introduce a potential contamination hazard.
If an earplug falls out, spotting a tiny green or white piece in a large batch of product is no easy task. Production often grinds to a halt while teams attempt to trace the contamination source - whether it occurred in the raw ingredients, during mixing, or later in packaging. When the affected portion can’t be pinpointed, entire batches may have to be discarded.
This not only creates costly downtime and product wastage but also raises more serious concerns. If a contaminated item reaches consumers, there’s a health and safety risk, and manufacturers face potential liability and damage to brand reputation.
Metal detectable ear plugs from uvex can help overcome these challenges for manufacturers, while making sure worker hearing remains protected.
uvex offers high quality Swedish-engineered metal detectable ear plugs that are suitable for use in food and beverage manufacturing, bottling plants, packaging plants, abattoirs and pharmaceutical plants. Designed to fit a variety of ear canal shapes, these plugs stay comfortable and secure to protect hearing throughout the work shift. Workers are less likely to lose or misplace PPE that’s comfortable and convenient to wear for long periods.
A good fit reduces the risk of contamination. But if it does occur, the plugs are embedded with a small metal ball bearing that can be quickly and easily identified by standard metal detection systems on production lines. The range includes:
Both types of plugs are bright blue colour, in line with food and beverage industry practices. Blue is rarely found in natural foods, making it one of the most effective colours for PPE like earplugs, as it’s easier to spot if lost during production. They feature an ear plug cord that sits around the neck to provide extra security. The plugs are also compliant with Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002 (acoustics – hearing protectors).
uvex Safety Australia product manager James Dibou says the brand’s core philosophy is about protecting people.
“We’ve developed products around providing workers with as much hearing protection as needed for a variety of different tasks and applications,” he says. “At the same time, we have the philosophy that we have to protect the manufacturers too, helping them comply with strict hygiene and health and safety standards, and look after their employees as well as their bottom line.”
As Australia’s leading supplier of industrial solutions, Blackwoods has everything you need to keep your operations running smoothly. Talk to your Blackwoods technical safety specialist about appropriate PPE, and browse the x-fit disposable and whisper+ reusable earplugs on site. Stay prepared, because productivity should never be left to chance.
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