BODY PROTECTION AND WORKWEAR


NOISE MEASUREMENT EE


While it’s easy to remember to protect the parts of the body that you can see, we can’t forget about those parts that we can’t see, like our hearing. Cirrus Research shares its eight-point guide to choosing the right noise measuring equipment for you – so you can always hear danger coming.


becoming tougher and more widespread. As a result of this the importance of noise control in the working environment is becoming an increasingly recognised and widely discussed issue and employers are expected to measure the level of noise in the workplace so that appropriate preventative action or protective equipment can be introduced.


According to the self- reported workers survey 2010/2011, it is estimated that around 22,000 individuals suffered hearing problems as a result of their work.


In an attempt to reduce this level of hearing damage, noise legislation designed to protect hearing and prevent noise nuisance is


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But noise measurement equipment is needed to carry out this activity and with so many choices of equipment available and with prices ranging from twenty pounds to five thousand pounds, deciding which one to buy can be very confusing and expensive if the wrong choice is made. To simplify this process Cirrus Research has produced an eight point guide with advice on how to


ensure you choose the best noise measurement tools for your application and also outlines some of the issues that need to be considered even after the equipment has been purchased.


Step 1 - Do the measurement functions comply with Standards, Regulations or Guidelines?


The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires the following measurements for compliance:


1. The equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq)


2. The maximum C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LCPeak)


It is important that you have the right sound measurement equipment for the right situation. There are many situations where using a handheld


sound level meter is not possible for both practical and safety reasons, such as employees with complex working patterns. This is where a noise dosemeter is the ideal measurement tool because they can be worn for the whole working shift continually measuring the noise levels and no further calculations will be required.


Step 2 - Does the equipment come with all of the accessories required?


It is always advisable to purchase a sound level meter or noise dosemeter as a complete kit and avoid combining units from different manufacturers. In general the kit will contain the instrument, a suitable acoustic calibrator, a windshield and a protective carrying case. One of the most important accessories is an


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