A WORLD leader in personal protective equipment has been shouting about the UK launch of its latest innovative product.

Sperian sells its VeriPRO system under its Howard Leight brand. It allows safety managers to ensure employees are getting the most out of their hearing protection.

Speaking to industry press, at the Sperian Protec- tion UK headquarters, on Chineham Park, national sales manager Paul Barker explained that VeriPRO can be used as an integral part of a company’s hearing conservation programme, measuring real- world attenuation of earplugs.

Mr Barker said: “The problem is that there is at least 50-plus ear plugs on the market – how do you choose one that is good for you? Just because it feels good doesn’t necessarily mean that it will actually be protecting you.

“Up till now the only way a safety professional could choose a hearing protection devised for individuals was based initially on comfort – are the guys going to wear it because they find it comfort- able?

“Then does it have an SNR (single number rating) at a level of performance appropriate to the noise, and is it easy to insert?

“Now all those things are actually measurable.”

Consisting of an optimised headset and software, VeriPRO determines the effectiveness of an employ- ee’s earplug fit over a range of frequencies.

The result, known as a Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) identifies the actual protection an employee receives from his or her earplug in each ear.

Mr Barker said: “This allows safety managers to determine if their employees are receiving optimal protection, or if they require additional training on how to fit their earplug, or if they need to try a different model.

“It requires minimal training to use the equipment.”

At the launch was Sperian managing director Stuart Turn- bull who oversaw the company’s move from its Hook premises to Elmwood Park, at Chineham Park, in November last year.

Mr Turnbull said: “The new premises offer us far greater opportunities to meet customers and demonstrate our products in a professional and modern environment. MEPC the land- lords have got it cracked in terms of service and Basingstoke serves us very well – I think it’s very efficient in terms of the road and rail network – with airports not too far away and it’s a great place to do business.”

The MD said although business was tough, the hearing protection sector was growing.

He said: “Like a lot of companies, we have a very defined and purposeful strategy to cope with the current situation, but more importantly when you do begin to see a turnaround, we will catch the benefit of that turnaround.”