When we are exposed to noise over a period of time, we risk damaging our hearing if the levels are high.
For steady noise, good correlation has been demonstrated between hearing damage risk and A-weighted sound level measurements although the duration of exposure must also be considered.
It is often measured using a type II noise meter or alternatively by wearing a noise dose meter during a working day.
The control of noise at work regulations NI (2006) dictates the noise action levels & limit values. EEC Directive EEC/86/188 - The protection of workers from the risk related to the exposure to noise at work is the umbrella EU directive, with complementary International Standards ISO 9612 - Guidelines for the measurement and assessment of exposure to noise in a working environment and ISO 1999 - Determination of occupational noise exposure and estimation of noise-induced hearing Impairment.
What Are The Action Levels and Limit Values? The noise regulations require you to take action at certain action values. These relate to the levels of exposure to noise of your employees averaged over a working day or week; and the maximum noise (peak sound pressure) to which employees are exposed in a working day.
“Whale has enjoyed a long working relationship with DevineAir for both our LEV and air assessments and our noise assessments. DevineAir are a thoroughly professional company and the standards and detail of their work is exactly what Whale requires. This has allowed us to take a pro-active approach to improving our processes, and reducing noise levels to ensure we help protect our own employees as well helping us manage the site’s environmental noise impact”
“DevineAir has delivered several projects simultaneously for us. Their advice has certainly narrowed down our environmental and health & safety issues and focused us on the right path to getting the correct, cost-effective solutions in place. They also manage the ongoing environmental statutory compliances on our behalf, reducing our risk and saving our time.”
“I have worked with Ciaran for years and his depth of knowledge on environmental topics, particularly Local Exhaust Ventilation & Air Quality, is very impressive. Since I have known him, he has continuously strived to improve his knowledge, skills & breadth of services to the benefit of the client.”
To find out more, get in touch with our team to discuss the benefits and innovative solutions we can bring to your workplace noise requirements.