Bilsom(r) Incorporates Exclusive Air Flow Control(tm) Technology into Thunder(r) and Leightning(r) Earmuff Lines

— Patented AFC technology improves attenuation
— New design offers convenience of snap-in ear cushions

Smithfield, RI — Beginning in January 2005, all Bilsom brand Leightning(r) and Thunder(r) series earmuffs will incorporate a new, patented Air Flow Control(tm) technology which will result in higher noise reduction ratings (NRR) and provide more consistent attenuation across all octave bands, particularly in lower frequencies. The Air Flow Control (AFC) design will also incorporate convenient snap-in ear cushions which can be easily replaced if they become soiled or damaged.

“AFC technology is based on the fact that air is the primary medium for the transmission of sound waves to the ear,” said Bill Sokol, VP Strategic Marketing for Bilsom parent company, Bacou-Dalloz(tm). “By controlling the flow of air in the earcup, we can better control the noise reaching the ear.”

The patented design channels the flow of air between the ear cushion and the outside, and reduces earcup vibration caused by low frequency noise. Base-plate chambers direct air flow through holes in the base of the ear cushion and a high-tech non-woven layer inside the ear cushion further controls air flow to provide even attenuation for all noise environments.

“The problem with traditional earmuffs is that they perform less well at low frequencies and inconsistently across all frequencies,” said Sokol. “AFC technology improves attenuation at low frequencies without compromising attenuation at high frequencies. The result is improved NRR and more consistent attenuation profiles across all frequencies without increasing earcup size or weight.”

Bilsom’s Thunder and Leightning lines are popular noise blocking earmuffs used by workers in a wide range of noise hazard environments. Incorporation of the new AFC technology will be on a “running change” basis, Sokol noted, and will not require new part numbers or setups.

“With Air Flow Control technology, the Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group now holds 178 hearing patents worldwide,” said Sokol. “This demonstrates our commitment to providing leading edge acoustic technology and protection to workers all over the world.”

Bilsom was founded in Sweden in 1968 and leads the industry in developing innovative sound management technologies that are used in some of the most challenging environments in the world. Bilsom is part of the Bacou-Dalloz(tm) Hearing Safety Group, a world leader in hearing safety.

In 2001 Dalloz joined with Bacou to form the Bacou-Dalloz Group, the world leader in the design, manufacturing and sale of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The company employs about 6,700 people and operates 48 production facilities. Bacou-Dalloz provides unmatched head-to-toe protection through three strategic business segments: head protection (eye, hearing and respiratory), body protection (gloves, clothes and shoes) and fall protection. Bacou-Dalloz offers a full product range aimed at the manufacturing, construction, telecommunications, medical, public services and other sectors. Its products are available from its distributor partners worldwide.

For additional information on Bilsom products, contact:
Bacou-Dalloz Hearing Safety Group
7828 Waterville Road
San Diego, CA 92154
Tel: 800/430-5490
Fax: 401/232-3110
http://www.bilsom.com
rbessette@bacou-dalloz.com

Photo Caption
All Bilsom brand Leightning and Thunder series earmuffs will incorporate a new Air Flow Control technology beginning in January 2005. The patented design channels the flow of air between the ear cushion and the outside, and reduces earcup vibration caused by low frequency noise.