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Noise Exposure Levels
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SPR  
#1 Posted : 31 August 2011 16:48:26(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
SPR
if the noise level is above 85dB or greater and you have looked at all possible engineering controls to reduce the exposure levels but cant, you provide hearing protection as a last resort to reduce the levels to within the legal limits.

My question is, once you have done this is there a legal maximum number of hours an employee should be working within this environment?
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leadbelly  
#2 Posted : 31 August 2011 16:54:12(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
leadbelly
Is the figure quoted the noise level (as measured by a sound level meter) or the personal noise exposure?

LB
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SPR  
#3 Posted : 31 August 2011 17:03:40(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
SPR
The noise level has been measured by a sound level meter
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Canopener  
#4 Posted : 31 August 2011 17:24:15(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Canopener
Leadbelly makes a fair point. It's not clear whether you are quoting leq or lepd? It appears from your reply while I have been typing that this is the leq. Similarly, you don't indicate what the actual level is i.e. how much greater than 85dB(A)? It is possible that depending on the noise levels and the length of time exposed, that the exposure could exceed the 'action level', depending on a number of factors including the protection level of the ear protection. Ear protection doesn't always (often) achieve it's stated or theoretical protection level.

Again, it would be handy to know if this is a leq or lepd that you are quoting, although I suspect the former
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descarte8  
#5 Posted : 02 September 2011 12:28:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
descarte8
If the noise level is say 125dBA and the hearing protection only gives 35dBA protection/attenuation then there would still need to be a time limiting factor applied.

If the protoction/attenuation of the hearing protection reduces the noise level to the operators ear to below the upper exposure limit then there should be no reason to control the time of exposure in this environment.

Des
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TSC  
#6 Posted : 02 September 2011 13:50:22(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
TSC
Not forgetting break times etc and reduced noise levels in these periods.
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leadbelly  
#7 Posted : 03 September 2011 11:07:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
leadbelly
You should use one of the noise calculators here: http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm to turn the SPL into a personal noise exposure. If the result is over 80 dB(A), the Regs apply.

LB
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