Posted By Kevin Drew We are currently demolishing and removing plant items from within a large building. In the process we are generating high noise levels but on an intermittent basis from various sources during the working day. Our workforce are generally co-operative and are quite prepared to wear ear defenders but less so when there is no noise. I am reluctant to insist on wearing ear defenders at all times since, in my view, this does our profession no favours. We perform noise surveys regularly but not continuously. Does anybody know of a supplier of an alarming noise monitor (preferably 110 volt) that activates a visual alarm at 80 dB(A)? The intention would be that workers don ear defenders when the visual alarm is activated. I have tried searching the internet but can find nothing really suitable. All help gratefully received. Kevin Drew

Posted By artisdeeian Kevin. Just a thought. why would you want your employees to wear ear protection when there is 'No Noise'. This could have the opposite effect to Health and Safety,ie, Mobile plant movement etc. again just a thought Regards Ian

Posted By artisdeeian Sorry Kevin. Read it wrong Ian.

Posted By AlB Rember that where noise exceeds 80dB, you do not have to make people wear hearing protection. Once they are exposed to 85dB or higher is it mandatory. I would suspect quite strongly that a demolition site would have nopise levels above 85dB and wouldn't be surprised if it reaches 90dB quite often. However, having noise level exceed 85dB on occasions does not mean you have to provide hearing protection - hearing protection is only mandatory when the DAILY noise exposure is 85dB. In practice, this means that people can be exposed to noise levels of 90dB for a duration of 2.5 hours without needing hearing protection. But be careful - taking this approach for the sake of it can be risky, and if there is any need for protection, then supply them.

Posted By Fred Pratley Try http://www.noisemeters.c...uct/soundear/default.asp Probably not what you want ideally, but they are fairly robust and have a low voltage output that you could link to trip other flashing lights, so there would be no excuses about not seeing th sign light up.

Posted By Daniel Stonehouse as long as the area is enclosed and the workforce are few and easily communicated to, could it be possible to have signs put up at all entrances immediately before this work takes place, and a quick walk through to ensure that all staff are wearing their ear protection, then after the noise inducing actions have been carried out give an all clear signal? This way whoever is in charge of the area is positive that everyone is wearing their hearing protection.