STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SUPPRESSORS AS PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN PORTABLE WEAPONS USED BY THE COMMAND AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS COMPANY OF THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS BATTALION

Abstract

This article analyzed the feasibility of using suppressors as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in portable weapons used by the Special Operations and Command Company (Cia COE) of the BOPE. The research was based on the documentary analysis of occupational health standards, as well as scientific articles on the subject. Books and articles on the technical aspects and operating methods of suppressors were also analyzed, and practical tests were carried out with Cia COE weapons equipped with this accessory, both in open and confined environments. A digital decibel meter configured for C frequency weighting and Fast response time was used to measure noise. It was found that the effectiveness of suppressors varies according to different factors, and some authors already consider them PPE. In the test in an open environment, noise levels were below 120 dB(C), while in a confined environment, although they did not reach this level, they showed significant reductions compared to shots fired without the accessory. Thus, it is concluded that the suppressor can be used as PPE, especially in occurrences and situations in which the operator, in most cases, is without hearing protection.