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#1 Posted : 11 January 2005 12:38:00(UTC)
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Posted By Martin Taylor I am sure somebody must have a good answer to this one. We have 2 areas on site where when machinery operates the noise levels require hearing protection - when they do not the noise levels are very low. The run time in both areas is about 50:50 At present both areas are designated mandatory hearing protection but as you might expect we get numerous violations when the machiens are stopped. Does anybody have a very elegant form of notice that covers this - is it legitimate to sign '....must be worn when machine operates'?? All thoughts and experiences welcome thanks Martin
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#2 Posted : 11 January 2005 12:48:00(UTC)
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Posted By Philip Roberts Martin, I used to work at a newspaper printing press and we had signs that iluminated when the presses started running but when presses stopped signs switched off automatically. This may solve your problem. best regards Phil Roberts MIOSH
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#3 Posted : 11 January 2005 13:03:00(UTC)
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Posted By Keith Oakes Martin, A little like the previous post. We have noise activated blue flashing lights positioned in prominent positions around the work area (calibrated annually). Also training and clear instruction (including visitors) to wear hearing protection when lights are activated. Hope this helps. Keith
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#4 Posted : 12 January 2005 09:13:00(UTC)
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Posted By fats van den raad Martin On the same principle as previous posts with the difference that we linked the illumination of the hearing protection signs to the start-up sequence of the machine. This resulted in the illumination of the signs, a flashing beacon above the sign to attract attention of operators and an audible alarm to warn those that may be in areas where the signs could not be seen. All this also happened before the machine actually started up. It was quite an expensive installation even though we designed and installed it ourselves, but the payback in terms of compliance as well as demonstrating that management are serious about finding sollutions for problems, not just put "blanket policies" in place, was well worth the cost.
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#5 Posted : 12 January 2005 19:17:00(UTC)
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Posted By steven bentham You have not mentioned if non-machine operators are present in noise zone? You have no chance of getting people to wear hearing protection when the machines are not running and the levels are lows. Better to change the signs and have local signs to the machines and training for operators - machines running wear hearing protectors! Oh I am sure you've worked out already you could try to reduce noise at source.
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#6 Posted : 12 January 2005 20:53:00(UTC)
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Posted By Stuart Nagle Martin. If you can't afford the fancy illuminated signs, I see nothing wrong with mandatory signs bearing a written warning of 'when machines in operation' Obviously, training and advice and policy would also ned to reflect this fro all those who have access to the area. Stuart
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