Noise in the refuse and recycling sector – time for a reality check!

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.

Noise induced hearing loss is defined as irreversible damage to the ear drums caused by exposure to high levels of noise and it is both unnecessary as well as something that can be prevented by employers and employees working together.

If a worker’s daily exposure exceeds 80dB(A) then, although not compulsory, it is considered beneficial that hearing protection be worn.  If a worker’s daily exposure exceeds 85dB(A) then it is mandatory that hearing protection be worn and with overall daily dose levels in the refuse and recycling sector typically varying from 93 dB(A) up to 99 dB(A), or in other words between 600% and 2200% above the second action level of 85 dB(A), operatives without adequate hearing protection can face permanent hearing damage.  In fact, the kerbside collection of glass is so noisy that a loader could receive their eight hour legal limit of noise exposure in just twenty minutes, similar to a racing car mechanic.

It is therefore important that organisations carry out noise surveys on a regular basis to measure sound levels and define the risk control strategies to be implemented. There is a variety of noise measurement equipment available to assess and help analyse the exposure levels that operators experience.  One provider of such equipment is Cirrus Research who is an expert in the creation and production of noise measurement instruments, including sound level meters, noise meters, noise dosemeters, environmental noise monitoring systems and acoustic transducers.

The most useful piece of equipment when it comes to measuring noise levels in the waste and recycling sector is the doseBadge®; a wireless personal noise dosemeter that can be worn on the shoulder throughout the day.  This doseBadge allows the collation of vital noise statistics that will help inform the employer of potential noise risks to its workforce.

South Northamptonshire Council recently commissioned a noise report for kerbside glass recycling and refuse collection services from No Going Back Productions, specialists in noise measurement for waste collection and recycling services.  Helen Marshall, Corporate Health and Safety Adviser at South Northamptonshire Council comments on the experience: “Using doseBadges on individual operatives worked well as it revealed the exposure levels caused by different operatives sorting methods and provided some sobering personal daily dose readings which left us in no doubt that action was needed. The analysis provided on the hearing protection we were issuing to staff was particularly useful and we have now purchased some alternative ear plugs, in consultation with our staff, which offer an adequate level of noise reduction without overprotecting operatives. I now feel we have a clear understanding of the noise issues associated with our refuse and recycling collections and are therefore much better placed to be able to manage them.”

Further information:

For further information on noise monitoring equipment suitable for waste and recycling please contact Cirrus Research on 0845 230 2434 or visit www.cirrusresearch.co.uk.

For further information on the services provided by David Wilford please call 01858 410278 or visit www.nogoingbackproductions.com.  A free five minute video toolbox, designed to help local authorities manage noise exposure to their recycling operatives, is available for download at www.freesafetyvideoclips.co.uk

Jaymee-lee Tolliday

Marketing Executive at Cirrus Research plc

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