viii UK Focus on Personal Safety at Work Noise Monitoring


Sampling can be carried out over the whole shift, a task, for 15 minutes or other predetermined periods. The samples are then sent away for analysis by a UKAS accredited lab. Exposure is calculated using the concentration of the contaminant, the amount of air pulled through by the sample pump and the operator shift/task time.


An assessment of sound within a workplace is usually carried out by measuring background noise (static measurements) and an assessment of personal exposure (via personal dosimetry). The general rule of thumb is that noise could be an issue if voices have to be raised to have a normal conversation with someone approximately 1 metre away. Background levels are assessed using a type 2 sound level meter (SLM) designed to measure sound pressure levels. The A weighting of decibels is the most common measurement and has a similar frequency response to the human ear, the pressure is measured and the results expressed as dB(A).


As workplace noise is rarely constant, the time taken to collect background noise measurements vary, from a few seconds for a constant noise source to a couple of minutes or even longer if a process is cyclic.


Carrying out static measurements alongside personal dosimetry covers movement of staff and variation in noise levels. Exposure will generally fluctuate due to the production rate or speed of equipment, product being manufactured, cyclical nature of machines, rotating equipment, process flow, etc.


The noise dosimeter is a type of SLM designed to measure a worker’s noise exposure over a period of time (usually for all or most of their shift). The dosimeter (also referred to as a noise dose meter or personal sound exposure meter) contains a microphone, usually fixed to the top mid-section of the employee’s shoulder or shirt collar. It continuously measures the A-weighted sound levels and this information is used to determine actual operator exposure.


Whilst the information obtained from the noise dosimeter is useful, it should never be used exclusively to form a noise survey – the reading can be distorted by a hidden/covered microphone, plus the dosimeter may be tampered with. Regular supervision and monitoring can reduce this likelihood.


• Measuring the vibration levels emitted by a tool when in use


• Measuring the daily/weekly exposure of a person who may be using vibrating tools.


The strategy used depends upon the types of equipment used and the task being carried out. However, all vibration measurements should be equated to an A(8) value (the average (A) exposure over an eight-hour (8) day) and takes into account the magnitude of the vibration and how long you are exposed to it. The rate of vibration of a tool or piece of machinery is measured in metres (m) per second (s) – its movement per second. Measurement results can be highly variable, and dependent on many factors such as; the operator’s technique, the condition of the work equipment, the material being processed and the measurement method. The competence and experience of the person who makes the measurements is important so that they can recognise and take account of these uncertainties in producing representative vibration data.


The HSE has a points matrix which assesses vibration and estimates daily exposure, this matrix can be found on the HSE website.


Summary Direct reading instruments


There have been significant advances in this area of monitoring over the last 10 to 20 years. Previously they were often large bulky instruments unsuitable for personal monitoring, but with advances in technology they can now be worn as personal sampling devices for an ever-increasing number of gases and vapours. Direct reading instruments allow real time measurements and many allow analysis of instantaneous (seconds), short term 15-minute STEL and 8 hour TWA concentrations of the particular contaminant. However, these are often expensive to purchase and there are limitations to the substances monitored, the potential for interferences and cross sensitivity. The ability to interpret the data is also required.


Results of air monitoring carried out can be fed into any COSHH/ risk assessments.


Work-related ill health is a problem for every section of society, with conditions ranging from cancer and other long-latency diseases, noise induced hearing due to vibration exposure, stress and musculoskeletal disorders. Greater awareness of the harm, costs and preventability of work-related ill health should drive collective action to improve health outcomes.


Measuring for Hand Arm Vibration


These assessments are aimed at highlighting the risk to individuals of developing hand arm vibration syndrome (and other related vibration conditions), and are usually made by either:


Author Contact Details Catherine Hare, MS Operations Manager, Alcumus Sypol • Tel: 0343 253 8551 • Email: info@alcumusgroup.com • Web: www.alcumusgroup.com


The HSE and other bodies (including IOSH and BOHS) are encouraging a focus on early prevention rather than trying to intervene when a person is suffering from more serious ill health. Moving the emphasis to prevention requires the implementation of control measures and in many cases will require monitoring data to demonstrate controls are effective with the overall desire to reduce deaths and ill health linked to workplace activities.


*Health & Safety (HSE) statistics 2017/2018


Noise at Work measurement in 3 easy steps


Pulsar Instruments, who are celebrating 50 years as noise measurement experts, have specifically designed their Pulsar Nova sound level meter to meet the needs of the Noise at Work Regulations.


Any safety officer looking for a simple to use occupational sound level meter will find everything they need with the Pulsar Nova Noise at Work meter (Class 1 or Class 2) which captures and displays noise measurements in just three easy steps, simply: (1) switch on, (2) calibrate and (3) measure.


The Pulsar Nova meets international standards including IEC 61672 and is easy to operate via its simple keypad. This instrument takes simultaneous measurements of all key parameters and shows data clearly on high definition OLED screen. It will give LAeq, CPeak and LCeq for hearing protection calculations, measuring in the 20dB(A) to 140dB(A) & 143dB(C) ranges. The Pulsar Nova has a large memory and 30 hour battery life.


The Nova, is available as a complete noise measurement kit with acoustic calibrator, windshield, protective case and 7-year warranty. You can upgrade your meter too to make it data logging or by adding octave band filters for hearing PPE prescription.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/E4GJ For More Info, email:


IET September / October 2019 www.envirotech-online.com


email: For More Info, email:


50327pr@reply-direct.com


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