Hi,

I carry out noise assessments at work however am now having doubts on my competency.

I have had training on using my noise meter so am competent to use the equipment but am wondering what would define competency to carry out noise assessments / risk assessments to meet the requirement of noise at work regulations?

Thanks
Tim

Tim,

I have conducted noise assessments quite often. I don't have a specific certificate of competency but I think I am doing what is reasonable.

There are meters that monitor noise levels over an 8 hour period and tell you at the end whether the work area has a rating below 85dB(A), or exceeds an average of 83dB or exceeds 87db, and also 95dB.

And there are hand-held meters with a display and you have to jot down the numbers while an operation, e.g. sawing, is on going.

I use both types of meter depending on the nature of the work and the duration of the high levels of noise.

With the latter the aim is to collect data for a shift and use the HSE calculator:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm

I used this kind of data to persuade a customer to re-locate a few saws into a constructed 'noise booth' so that the whole factory did not need to wear ear protection.

The customer has other machines that are noisy intermittently and, although the daily averages may be below 85dB, operators, and others nearby, always wear ear protection when the machines run (peak noises are ~95dB for 30 secs at a time).

As I say I think I am doing what is reasonable for the nature of the work being performed, but would welcome any advice on improving my methods and competency.

Agree. I did the IOA course via Salford Uni shortly after the original Regs were passed (I'm ancient) and felt very happy that I understood the concepts and confident that I could tackle a wide range of noise scenarios.

IOA course is a very sound (pun not intended) basis, did mine through EEF in Sheffield.

So the IOA Noise Risk Assessment course is recommended.

The local company for me is EEF. The 5 day course would cost £1300.

I would lose three regular business appointments with two customers which would cost me £720.

So total cost for me £2020........

I'm going to rely on my knowledge and 7 years experience doing Noise Assessments.


John

I've only been working in Health and Safety just over 2 years, still so much to learn and i get confused at times with what makes you competent so thank you all for the advice, going to look into the IOA course, just need to convince my boss now this is the way forward.

To answer the question noise assessor competency then one would need to provide evidence that you have the qualification, knowledge, information and post qualification experience in carrying out noise surveys and then noise risk assessments. It has to be carried out in a structured way. I would say there is no minimum course as usually a course is 4.5 days with an exam. Then as mentioned need to have experience not just using SLM's and dosimeters but also what to survey and how. Then provide findings and recommendations. For the last 26 years I have been an H&S adviser and last 8 years as occupational hygienist. During this time I have completed a many courses and vast varied experience. I have completed Institute of Acoustics certificate in workplace noise assessment, W503 Assessment and Control of Noise which is an occupational hygiene module provided by the British Occupational Hygiene Society (when I did this course it was M104). Others have mentioned the IOA which is another provider. I would also suggest request to IOSH and their providers. Whatever is chosen it will cost money and time, but money and time well spent.