Hearing protectors frequently attain lower sound-attenuation levels in industrial use than in the type test performed in accordance with the standard. This has been demonstrated by a study conducted by the BGIA Institute for Occupational Safety and Health of the DGUV. Correction values for the sound-attenuation values measured in the laboratory are intended to support the user in the field in selecting hearing protector products. Standards may also provide assistance in reducing the discrepancy between the laboratory and the field.

Guided-type fall arresters with a rigid anchor line are employed for protection of persons against falls from a height, for example on ladders. Normally, it should be possible for them to be manufactured and placed on the market in Europe in accordance with EN 353-1. This standard, however, does not adequately address the foreseeable use. This has repeatedly resulted in serious accidents, and led the British authorities to submit a formal objection.

During work on electrical installations, fault arcs may occur which release enormous quantities of energy within fractions of a second and present a risk of fatal injury for persons in the vicinity. In order for the tremendous dangers to be combated better in practice, a KAN working group has begun by formulating targets and requirements for research regarding measures for protection against fault arcs.

Occupational safety and health has a new advocate in the arena of European standardization. With SABOHS, CEN has created a “strategic advisory body for occupational health and safety“ which will advise the CEN Rapporteur Occupational Health and Safety and the Technical Committees on OSH issues.

Methods and developments for the safe and environmentally responsible use of materials, the safe operation of technical systems and processes, and the safe handling of hazardous substances and goods, are indispensable under modern working conditions. The German Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) conducts research, testing and consultancy in these areas, and ensures that the findings obtained are incorporated into standardization activity.

New standards governing industrial trucks (such as fork-lift and pallet trucks) are about to be published. What‘s special: since a consensus was not reached at international level, the basic standard and supplements are accompanied by two parts containing different arrangements applicable according to the region. The European part ensures that the provisions of the standard are not in contravention of the European directives.