When making measurements to estimate the noise exposure of a person at work, you need to ascertain the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq) that represents the noise the person is exposed to during the working day. You also need to ascertain the maximum C-weighted peak sound pressure level or levels to which the person is exposed.

The action levels described in the regulations are given as daily (LEP,d) or weekly (LEP,w) exposure values along with peak sound pressure levels, all in dB.

A sound level meter cannot measure LEP,d or LEP,w directly as these are calculated from two other parameters which are recorded during the measurement. These are:

  • The equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels that represents the sound the person is exposed to during the working day
  • This is commonly known as the Leq and may be shown as LAeq or LAeq,t
  • The duration over which the Leq is measured Continue reading »

  • Product Innovation Award given for the Optimus Green sound level meter

    Cirrus Research, a leading expert in the creation and production of noise measurement instruments, is proud to announce that its new Optimus Green sound level meter has been awarded a Highly Commended within the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Product Innovation category at this year’s BSIF Safety Awards.

    The sound level meter was awarded the accolade at a prize giving ceremony that took place at the Product and Innovation Hub at this year’s Safety & Health Expo.

    The prestigious BSIF Product Innovation Award recognises products that are new and innovative and that will contribute to improvements in occupational safety and health. Continue reading »

    David Wilford of No Going Back Productions, a specialist in noise measurement for waste collection and recycling services, discusses noise risks in the refuse and recycling sector

    An efficient and effective refuse and recycling service plays a pivotal role in local communities and the surrounding environment. However, as recycling initiatives have developed, they have brought with them dangerous levels of noise that those working in the sector are exposed to on a daily basis; from traffic and vehicle machinery, to the actual disposal of refuse and recycling. This combination of noise, results in high exposure to noise levels that, without the correct hearing protection, can lead to permanent hearing damage. Continue reading »

    If you are using your noise measurement instrument to meet any Standards, Regulations or Guidelines  it is essential that your equipment is measuring accurately.

    If you are working to the Noise at Work Regulations 2005, or any ISO or BS EN standard that requires the use of noise measurement equipment, the standards to which the equipment must comply will be clearly stated. If you are going to continue to use your noise measurement instruments it is vital that they continue to meet these same standards. Continue reading »

    As part of Noise Action Week (23rd to 27th May 2011) Cirrus Research, a leading expert in the design and production of noise measurement instruments, is urging companies and workers alike to be extra vigilant when it comes to managing noise at work.

    According to HSE statistics it is estimated that approximately 1.7 million workers are exposed to noise above levels considered safe and it is estimated that around 21,000 individuals who worked in 2009/2010 suffered hearing problems as a result of their occupation2.

    Continue reading »

    If you are planning to visit the Safety & Health Expo at the NEC from the 17th to 19th May 2011, come and see us on stand T40, Hall 2 and join us in our 40th Anniversary celebrations.

    For 40th years, Cirrus has been manufacturing noise measurement instruments and our new products give you everything you need for noise at work or environmental noise measurements.

    If you’ve not already registered, click here and you can register as a VIP courtesy of Cirrus. Come and see us and find out how our noise measurement instruments can help make your life simple!

    The ability for a local authority to provide an efficient and effective refuse and recycling service is pivotal for both residents and the upkeep of the surrounding environment.  However with the increased noise levels that new recycling initiatives generate it is imperative that the welfare of operatives working in this sector is looked after rigorously.  David Wilford of No Going Back Productions, a specialist in noise measurement for waste collection and recycling services, discusses noise risks in the refuse and recycling sector.

    Refuse and recycling operatives are subjected to a vast amount of noise, ranging from that generated from traffic and vehicle machinery, to the actual disposal of refuse and recycling; this combination of noise results in high exposure to noise levels that, without the correct hearing protection, can lead to permanent hearing damage.  For example, when glass impacts on glass, i.e. when a plastic box or wheeled bin is emptied, extremely high levels of noise are emitted.  Peak levels above 140 dB(C) are common and it is possible during a typical shift for a loader to be frequently exposed to peaks above 137 dB(C). Continue reading »

    Now’s the time to upgrade your old noise measurement instruments! If you’ve got an old noise instrument sitting in a cupboard somewhere, dig it out and see what it could be worth against a new sound level meter, doseBadge noise dosemeter or Safety Officer’s Noise Measurement kit. 

    You could get up to 25% discount* against a new optimus red or green sound level meter kit, a doseBadge kit or a Safety Officer’s Noise Kit.

    And don’t forget that with recent legislation, you can’t just throw old electronic equipment in the bin. It needs to be disposed of properly and we can help you. Cirrus is a registered manufacturer under the WEEE Directive and so we have the facilities and procedures in place to dispose of your old equipment. Click here to find out more.

    *Terms & Conditions apply.

    Cirrus is now a  member of the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier Scheme.

     

    Registered Safety Supplier Logo

    Registered Safety Supplier Logo

    “The BSIF (British Safety Industry Federation) has launched this scheme to advise buyers where they can obtain genuine safety equipment. Supplied companies registered within the scheme have agreed to the scheme’s strict code. Requirements of BSIF membership, such as integrity and a commitment to ethical trading are enhanced by a binding declaration that the safety equipment they offer meets the appropriate standards, fully complies with the PPE regulations and is appropriately marked.

    Continue reading »

    Specialist noise measurement equipment manufacturer Cirrus Research was proud to be part of the Safety and Health Expo 2010 where it showcased its new generations of Optimus Sound Level Meters including the Optimus Green, the newest member of the Optimus family.

    Cirrus held a competition at the May event with the chance to win one of the cutting edge Optimus Sound Level Meters and Tony Bailey of construction group Galliford Try was the lucky winner.

    The news Optimus range of sound measurement is easy to use, flexible and upgradeable in a smart design and includes up-to-the-minute technology. The new Optimus Green strengthens the range of Optimus sound level meters and has been created to combine the existing features from the Optimus range with the latest technological innovation and added functionality that is necessary for environmental noise to be accurately measured.

    This makes it ideal for use in environmental, occupational and industrial environments making it the most advanced Sound Level Meter yet, combining the highest level of performance with simplicity of use.

    Tony Bailey, HS&E Advisor, Galliford Try said: “I was very pleased to discover I had won the Optimus Sound Level Meter as I had spent the duration of the event obtaining information on the different sound meters currently available. It is important for me to assess occupational noise levels and therefore be sure our operatives are wearing the correct ear protection for the activities they carry and be able to advise them on how they can eliminate work related hearing loss.”

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