Noise issues: Back to basics

Confusion still shrouds the understanding of noise regulations and noise measurement in the workplace.James Tingay,group marketing manager at Cirrus Research, explains the basics of self noise measurement recordings and dispels the myth that measurement is confusing

The self-reported worker's survey for 2010/11 estimated that 22,000 people were suffering from hearing problems believed to be related to noise in the workplace. An increased understanding of the damage noise can do to hearing and the negative impact it can have on quality of life in the wider community has resulted in a growing need to measure noise. The survey, however, shows that organisations still have a limited knowledge about how to measure and record noise.

Regulations The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 protect persons against risk to their health and safety arising from exposure to noise at work. The regulations also list exposure values to enable employees to establish whether noise levels are at sufficient level that work activity should be changed or hearing protection provided.

The measurements for compliance listed in the regulations are: The equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq) The maximum C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LCPeak)

Noise measurement instruments There are many different types of noise measurement instruments on the market - noise meters, noise dosimeters, environmental noise monitoring systems and acoustic transducers.Most instruments are used across a wide and diverse range of applications including occupational noise, industrial hygiene, environmental noise measurement, vehicle noise testing and airport noise monitoring.

The majority of organisations record noise on an occasional basis and a basic instrument is sufficient enough to record the relevant data to comply with industry standards.

The performance of sound level meters, noise dosemeters and acoustic calibrators are set out in national, European and international standards. The latest sound level meter standard gives two levels of accuracy, Class1 and Class 2. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 state that a sound level meter should meet at least Class 2 of BS EN 61672 - 1:2003. Personal noise dosemeters have their own standard (BS EN 61252:1997) with which they must comply.

Purchasing It is often advisable to purchase a sound level meter as a complete kit. All noise measurement standards state an instrument must be calibrated before and after each use and with an acoustic calibrator. Noise measurement instruments are precision tools and the level of accuracy required from them is very high.

Reputable manufacturers ensure that their instruments meet these standards; therefore it is important to keep the equipment at the same level of accuracy as when it was purchased.When you are looking at different manufacturers, ask questions about how your investment will be supported. A reputable manufacturer should: Regularly conduct research into noise measurement regulations and requirements to ensure it is kept constantly up-to-date with changing needs.

Have an established Research and Development team that ensures any equipment contains the latest functionality to meet all requirements.

Offer free software updates so any equipment can be used for years to come.

Provide equipment upgrades to easily change the use of any equipment without having to reinvest in brand new hardware.

Training The level of training and experience required to operate complex sound level meters can often get in the way of making good quality noise measurements. Choose an instrument that meets your practical requirements while keeping the instrument as simple as possible and the cost realistic. A product that provides relevant, important information in one place quickly makes it easier for measurements to be reported.

Software Most noise measurement equipment doesn't come with reporting software as standard; it may only be supplied with basic downloading software supplied with the instrument so check what's included.

Cirrus Research works with organisations to ensure that they fully understand and comply with UK Noise at Work regulations so that employees are protected sufficiently to reduce the risk of long term or serious hearing damage. Although organisations are beginning to understand the dangers of noise in the workplace, it is still imperative to keep up education about the dangers of work related Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL).