High-Visibility Hearing Protection – 3M E-A-Rsoft Yellow Neons Corded Foam Earplugs
3M E-A-Rsoft Yellow Neons 311-1250 corded earplugs provide disposable hearing protection for industrial workplaces. Soft, slow-recovery foam and a tapered shape support comfortable insertion, while the attached cord keeps the pair together between tasks. ASA supplies this regular-size model in a box of 200 pairs.
Rating clarification: 3M’s current U.S. product information lists NRR 32 dB for regular size alone and NRR 33 dB for regular and large sizes in combination. Model 311-1250 is regular size. Use the supplied packaging, manufacturer instructions and workplace assessment when selecting protection.
3M E-A-Rsoft Yellow Neons / 311-1250
S311-1250
Regular / 200 corded pairs
32 dB per current 3M guidance
Key Features
- Soft, slow-recovery foam with a tapered profile.
- Neon yellow color makes earplug use easier to see.
- Attached cord helps reduce separation and loss.
- Compatible with 3M E-A-Rfit validation using appropriate test equipment.
Common Uses & Applications
- Construction, manufacturing and industrial maintenance.
- Automotive service, woodworking and landscaping.
- Warehouse equipment areas with assessed noise hazards.
Pair task-appropriate hearing protection with hard hats and head protection. Check that the complete PPE combination can be worn correctly.
Fit, Cord Safety & Selection
With clean hands, roll the foam into a narrow, crease-free cylinder. Pull the ear upward and outward, insert the compressed plug and hold it until it expands. Follow the manufacturer’s fitting instructions and check both ears. Visible earplugs do not prove an effective seal.
Assess cord entanglement hazards near moving machinery. Remove hearing protection only after leaving hazardous noise; do not remove plugs for conversation while exposure continues. Replace dirty or damaged plugs. If regular size does not fit correctly, ask your safety professional about another size or protector.
Hearing Conservation Requirements
OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 requires a hearing conservation program in general industry when exposure reaches an eight-hour time-weighted average of 85 dBA. Employers must evaluate attenuation and ensure proper fitting and training. The regulation does not certify individual earplug products.
NIOSH recommends individual hearing protector fit testing. Laboratory ratings cannot establish each worker’s protection, and NRR should not simply be subtracted from workplace noise measurements.
Manufacturer Documentation
Review 3M’s U.S. model 311-1250 specifications and NRR explanation.
The 3M Yellow Neons technical datasheet (Australia/New Zealand PDF) includes model 311-1250 and fitting guidance. Its SLC80 rating follows a regional test system and is not the U.S. NRR.
FAQ
Are these metal-detectable earplugs?
No. Standard model 311-1250 is not metal detectable. Select a documented detectable model when required by facility policy.
Does the cord make them reusable?
No. The cord joins the pair but does not change the disposable foam construction. Follow the supplied care and replacement instructions.
