Eye and ear protection

Every set of range rules we checked requires or strongly recommends hearing protection while shooting is under way, and many say the same about eye protection. Clubs commonly lend both for introductory sessions, so check what's provided when you book. It still helps to understand what you're wearing.

Why hearing protection matters

Gunfire is a sudden, very loud noise. Hearing Australia says shooters are exposed to extremely high sound levels and should wear hearing protection at all times. The National Acoustic Laboratories warns that sudden, intense sounds such as gunshots can cause immediate and permanent hearing loss. Safe Work Australia's noise code explains that a gunshot can exceed a peak of 140 dB(C), and that exposure above that peak can damage hearing almost instantly.

That's why protection goes on before anyone fires and stays on while shooting is in progress. Target Pistol Australia's rules apply this to everyone near the firing line, not only the people shooting.

Earplugs, earmuffs and electronic muffs

• Foam or moulded earplugs

  Sit inside the ear canal and block sound.

  Things to know: How well they work depends on a good fit. Some clubs include them in introductory packages.

• Earmuffs

  Cups seal around the ears.

  Things to know: An SSAA article describes muffs as the most effective type.

• Electronic muffs

  Let quieter sounds such as speech through and cut off loud peaks like gunshots.

  Things to know: Useful when you need to hear conversation, such as a coach. An SSAA review notes range officers and instructors need this.

You can wear earplugs under earmuffs. Workplace safety guidance says combining them adds about 5 dB of noise reduction. The total isn't the two ratings added together. For workplaces where people are exposed to firearms, Safe Work Australia's code points to the hearing protector standard's advice: the highest class of protector for small-calibre firearms, and well-fitted earplugs combined with earmuffs for large-calibre firearms. It is written for employers, not for ranges, so ask your club what it expects.

Music headphones and earbuds aren't hearing protection, even if they cancel noise. SSAA Brisbane says they don't meet Australian standards for hearing protection and can't be used at its range.

Reading the rating on the packet

Australian workplace safety regulators describe the rating system. Protectors tested under AS/NZS 1270 are given a Class from 1 to 5 and an SLC80 number. SLC80 stands for Sound Level Conversion, valid for 80 per cent of wearers. A higher class means more protection, and suppliers are expected to show both on or in the packaging.

Some products show an NRR (Noise Reduction Rating) instead. Workplace safety guidance explains that NRR is a US system tested by a different method from AS/NZS 1270, and isn't accepted for hearing protection at Australian workplaces. If your club recommends a Class, look for the Australian rating so you can compare like with like.

Ranges set their own expectations. SSAA Victoria's Eagle Park rules recommend at least Class 5 for all shooters, and the Cranbourne-Dandenong Pistol Club's new member guide prefers protectors rated 26 dB or more. Ask your club what it recommends.

Eye protection

Eye protection guards against things you can't predict. An SSAA article lists windblown dust and grit, burnt powder, wadding, clay target fragments and the rare pierced primer. A pistol club's new member guide warns that a bullet fragment can bounce back when it strikes a hard target.

Rules differ by discipline and range:

• Target Pistol Australia urges everyone on a range to wear shatter-proof shooting glasses and makes them mandatory in some events.

• The Australian Clay Target Association strongly recommends hearing and eye protection at the firing point in all its disciplines.

• The Sydney International Shooting Centre requires eye protection when shooting handguns, except air pistols.

• SSAA Brisbane requires eye protection at all times on both its pistol ranges.

If you wear prescription glasses, ask your club whether they are suitable on their own or whether you should wear protective glasses over them.

Borrowing or buying

Clubs commonly provide earplugs and eye protection for come-and-try sessions, and some sell earmuffs and glasses at the range office. SSAA Victoria sells eye and ear protection at its Springvale range, and a Victorian pistol club supplies both for use at its range. SSAA Brisbane hands out earplugs with its try shooting packages and suggests bringing your own earmuffs if you have sensitive hearing or find noisy places uncomfortable.