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Noise assessment - for multiple single high volume impacts
Rank: Forum user 
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Afternoon All,
I'm after some advice regarding carrying out Noise Assessments for tasks that require hand held tools with high volume, high energy impacts - specifically shot fixers for driving fixing in to Concrete.
The volume is high, e.g. 105 dB(A) but the frequency of occurrence is low, maybe 40-50 times a day absolute max.
My issue is with measuring or estimating the duration of exposure.
The HSE calculation tool only allows a minimum duration of .25 hours.
Does anyone have experience in this area?
Thanks
Andy
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi Fiesta
This is where the Regs arent much help, if you calculate that a whole days worth of shot fixing is around .25 (probly wont be, I know) and the rest of the day the noise level is below the LAV the result may show no problems and protection is not required. However from a hearing conserasion perspectiove it would be wise to enforce hearing protection regardless during this task (and surrounding folk if needed). -Job done everyones happy, no scary claims, Proactive
Good luck Adam
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Rank: Forum user
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If your likely to be below the Lower Exposure Action Level (80 dB(A) TWA) and the Peak Sound Pressure (135 dB (C)) then why would you need to provide hearing protection?
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Rank: Forum user
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Thats what I mean, there is no legal requirement / need, however many studies and research shows that even exposure to below these action levels will damage your hearing. Im talking about hearing conservation - whats the harm in wearing hearing protection if it will protect your hearing? - the OP obviously thinks there is a risk to post the question.
With an A weighting of 105 (Not C weighting) - thats enough to damage hearing in short doses in my opinion?
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Rank: Forum user
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I'm being asked by the principle contractor, or at least his site manager, to provide a noise and Vibration assessment for this work.
The vibration was straightforward as Hilti provide all the info required.
The noise was tricky as, using the HSE tool 0.25 of an hour at 105dB(A) puts the user well over the 100 points UEAV, at 313 points.
But, as Aleeman noted the actual exposure is likely to be less then this in reality but it is difficult to quantify.
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Rank: Forum user
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It sounds like you need to do a personal dosimeter survey to get the answer. However, I have to disagree with the provision of hearing protection if its below the statutory requirements. Its adding additional cost into the business and thats not to mention the cost of health surveillance.
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Rank: Super forum user
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If the measured noise level is accurate, then the permitted daily exposure time is 4.8 minutes (288 seconds). Does each peak exposure last for 5.8 seconds (assuming 50 shots)? Unlikely, I would have thought, so there is no issue here; noise exposure will be less than the permitted daily dose, unless there is significant exposure from other sources.
LB
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Rank: New forum user
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Noise dosimetry is the only answer here
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Rank: Forum user
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Why not just buy a box of 3M 1100 ear plugs at £12 for 200 pairs and offer them to the operator?
The job would be like firing a shotgun and not many shooters would not wear hearing protection
You should also take into account any one else working in the near vicinity.
That's my tuppence worth
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Rank: Forum user
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Looking at this solution, we are looking at noise exposure beyond the 85dB(A) threshold, therefore just because over a day the exposure is below the noise threshold e.g. his Lep,d we have to consider that loud noises e.g. intermittent as you so describe, can be as harmful as consistent exposure to lower level noises at say 86dB(A).
Would recommend that you wear hearing protection when carrying out the operation, however, remember the noise level at the ear would need to be in the region of 70dB(A) - which is slightly above conversation level. To do this is easy, by looking at the SNR of your hearing protection (Single Number Rating) deduct that from your value of 105dB and you get approximately the level at the ear (plus 4dB for poor fitting etc.); therefore in essence you are going to need a product with an SNR of around 30. to even get below 80dB(A).
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Super forum user
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Waz
Although instantaneous noise levels over 85bdB(A) have been measured, it does not follow that the noise exposure will be above that level. The HSE research concludes that more than 100 operations may be required to exceed the daily noise exposure threshold.
LB
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Hi
HSE will not expect you to issue hearing protection unless it is required, as this increases other workplace risks - lack of perception, loss of precision of hearing, risk of ear infection. You are expected to reduce noise as much as possible - so that would be your first step. Then, as Bill says, measure the dose - hire in badges and they will give you the information.
On vibration - if you ask the HSL, they will advise that the manufacturers information is not good enough. They will do a course for you.
Ian
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Noise assessment - for multiple single high volume impacts
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