Applications: Occupational Noise Measurement
Cirrus Research plc can provide a range of noise measurement equipment designed to aid in the compliance with Occupational and Industrial Noise Regulations, such as the UK Noise at Work Regulations, OHSA and many others.
Personal Noise Dosemeters, such as the CR:110A doseBadge, are ideal for compliance with OSHA and other regulations where the measurement of the exposure of workers uses a 5dB exchange rate or where the Noise Dose is the important measurement paramter.
Sound Level Meters for Noise at Work Measurements
EU Occupational Health Directives
The EU has introduced a new directive which is one of the Physical Agents Directives which also cover Human Vibration. Both are part of the so-called Physical Agents Directive and are to be implemented in national legislation within three years of publication. Member states can introduce or keep regulations that give even better protection but, conversely, existing domestic regulations that better those of the new directives cannot be relaxed.
Noise at Work Directive 2003/10/EC is officially known as the "Directive 2003/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (noise)".
In the directive, the following limit and action values are defined:
(a) exposure limit values: LEX,8h = 87 dB(A) and LCpeak = 200 Pa respectively;
(b) upper exposure action values: LEX,8h = 85 dB(A) and LCpeak = 140 Pa respectively;
(c) lower exposure action values: LEX,8h = 80 dB(A) and LCpeak = 112 Pa respectively.
Where:
the daily noise exposure level (LEX,8h) is the average noise exposure level for a nominal 8-hour working day as defined by ISO 1999 and the peak sound pressure (LCpeak) is the maximum value of the 'C'-frequency weighted instantaneous noise pressure
The Member States are to comply with this Directive before 15 February 2006. However, there may have an additional period of five years from 15 February 2006 with regard to limit values for personnel on board seagoing vessels. The music and entertainment sectorsalso have a maximum transitional period of two years from 15 February 2006 to comply with this Directive, provided that, in the meantime, the levels of protection already achieved are maintained.
The text of the noise at work directive in English can be found on http://europa.eu.int/.
Cirrus Research plc can provide a range of Sound Level Meters and Personal Noise Dosemeters, including the CR:110A doseBadge, that have been designed to meet this new Directive.
- Links:
- Product Information: Sound Level Meters
- Product Information: Personal Noise Dosemeters