Control of Noise

[David Ripley]

The Control of Noise Regs come into force on 6th April 2006

 

I was wondering what strategies people have in place to cope with the lower thresholds, particularly in scenic workshops.

 

Has anyone actually measured the noise in their workshop as yet and have they any plans to do so?

 

If they have a figure how was it acheived, for instance we have several machines but they are not all necessarily going at the same time. How many machines should we measure? Should we measure at source or the ambient?

 

Any advice gratefully received!

 

David Ripley

Academy Production Manager

RSAMD

[The Production Midget]

You may find some useful information on the OSHA website. It's European Health and Safety week at the moment and OSHA is placing a strong emphasis on noise.

 

When dealing with noise, the hierachy of control applies as with any other risk. The priority is to reduce the noise. So far example suggested controls would be to install newer, quieter machinery or to only run one machine at a time.

 

Engineering controls could also be applied, for example, enclosing the machinery to contain the noise is a common one.

 

Perhaps also encourage staff to take regular breaks. This will break up the exposure time and limit the dose they receive in one go.

 

PPE should and is always, a last resort as measures should be taken to reduce the noise at source first.

 

As for measuring, it makes sense to measure the noise level above ambient and at the normal working volume. So, if you normally run four machines simultaneously, I'd measure the noise level above ambient, of those four machines together.

[Locksmith]

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

 

(a) for the music and entertainment sectors only they shall not come into force until 6th April 2008;

 

Will this cover your workshop? Gives you a bit more time at least.

 

we have several machines but they are not all necessarily going at the same time. How many machines should we measure?

 

This is down to your risk assessment. How likely is it that all the machines will be operating at the same time?

 

cheers

 

Dave J

[Simon Lewis]

David,

 

At my workplace, we will survey all areas where the daily exposure level is likely to exceed the new first action level. This can be done with a fairly cheap sound level meter.

 

Once we have identified the new areas (we know about existing ones from our original survey for the 1989 regulations) we will then conduct a more detailed survey of the actual exposure a typical worker receives. This may be by calculation of the typical exposure level and duration for each activity, or by fitting the operative with a dosemeter.

 

Since the new regulations place more emphasis on reduction of noise at source, I would anticipate the HSE and local councils putting pressure on firms to purchase lower noise output equipment, to acoustically enclose equipment that cannot be easily quietened, to reduce exposure through shift control and, as a last resort, to provide PPE for workers to wear.

 

Note that since there is now a limit set for exposure at the ear, it will be important to know the source intensity and the noise reduction offered by the ear defender.

 

I intend going to an Institute of Acoustics meeting with Tim Ward, HM Principal Specialist Inspector (Noise and Vibration) from the Health and Safety Executive, so that I can get the expert's view on this. I'll post any useful stuff back on this site.

 

However, most of the changes should only be an extension of the procedures you already have in place for the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 ;-)

 

Hope this helps...

 

Simon

[Brian]

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

 

(a) for the music and entertainment sectors only they shall not come into force until 6th April 2008;

 

Will this cover your workshop? Gives you a bit more time at least.

No, the workshop will be considered a workshop. The bit you refer to is in relation to the performance spaces.

[David Ripley]

Thanks all

 

No, we also are not included as 'Entertainment' as our primary role is education

 

I know we can get by with one machine at a time working --- But that is not really practical in a busy scenic workshop, so yers we often ahve the majority of machines going at the same time, plus obviously all the associated extraction!

 

Also the frequency of the machines is quite different and this can cause as much damage as level. For example the radial arm and table saws are at a much high frequency as the sander for instance.

 

I'm trying to get hold of HSE as they are based in Glasgow but they're not answering the phone.

 

I'm concentrating on the workshops but we will also have issues regarding the orchestra, not to mention practise rooms and auditioning

[Simon Lewis]

David,

 

It seems from your post that you do not have an existing procedure in place? If not, you will have to start from scratch...

 

However, do you have access to "Info4eduction" at your educational establishment? If so, there is a wealth of information available that saves you buying all of the HSE books etc.

 

If you do not have this facility, PM me.

 

Incidently, for a workshop with many different noise sources, we would work out the worst case scenario, and then determine what proportion of time all machines operated together.

 

If the work pattern was so random that this could not be done, I would probably err twards the worst case scenario exposure level.

 

Simon

[David Ripley]

I learnt today that the HSE rule of thumb is that if two people cannot hold a conversation in a normal voice six feet apart, then it's too noisy

 

I'm sure we'll need actual levels to be tested but it's a good start

 

David

[MarkPAman]

No, we also are not included as 'Entertainment' as our primary role is education

 

I asked the HSE if we were in education, entertainment or both. They say:

 

"the music and entertainment sectors" mean all workplaces where -

 

a) live music is played; or

b) recorded music is played in a restaurant, bar, public house, discotheque

or nightclub, or alongside live music or a live dramatic or dance

performance.

 

This seems to cover all of us.

 

I work in a place where live music is played, and education takes place, so I guess we have until 2008.

 

They also say that "specific guidance" will be issued before the transitional period expires.

 

1989 Regulations still apply.