Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Admin  
#1 Posted : 02 August 2001 13:13:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Andy Taylor Can anyone tell me, is there a minimum and maximum noise level for fire alarm sirens/bells and how is this affected by the Noise at Work regulations? Do I need to complete a noise assessment? We test our siren weekly and have received a complaint from an employee who's desk is very close to a siren. Thanks in advance for any information which you can provide. Regards, Andy T.
Admin  
#2 Posted : 02 August 2001 14:11:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Robert Woods Do a noise assessment it will say that the person should be away from their desk when it is tested. Problem solved. Roibert Woods
Admin  
#3 Posted : 02 August 2001 15:52:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Richard Andy This has come up with me. Our fire specialist colleagues will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the minimum is around 65 Db at a normal workspace. I have had many colleagues complain about the noise, particular in bare stairwells, but even right under the loudest sounder a "down and dirty" noise assessment indicated no damage to hearing for at least 15 minutes. Richard
Admin  
#4 Posted : 02 August 2001 15:53:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Nigel Lusby Andy, The alarm level should be such that it can be heard, a level of 10dB above ambient noise levels is recommended (L64, safety signs and signals ACOP). Though it should not be "excessive or painful". The object here is more alarms that are lower as opposed to one big one that is heard perfectly 100 yards away at the end of the factory floor, but poleaxes the guy sat next to it. Obligations under NAWR should be balanced with obligations to provide alarms. Dosage levels from an alarm test once a week are likely to be insignificant. You need to carryout an assessment where there is a risk of hearing damage, unlikely in the case of the alarm. I can appreciate what Robert has suggested, and that asking someone to be away from their desk during an alarm is an attractive solution. However be aware this can become contagious, I would consider supplying ear plugs for the weekly test. Regards Nigel.
Users browsing this topic
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.