Posted By Wazza What is the general consensus of using the above area as a sound haven. Our risk assessments state the noise is in excess of the 2nd action level, however, engineering the sound out of the process is impossible due to the process itself. Belts have been fitted etc. where practicable. Hearing protection is provided, though I have asked for sound havens. There is no money and the management want the sound engineered out, at a cost presumed well in excess of the cost of an haven. However, as a temp measure this room would suffice? Any thoughts?

Posted By George Wedgwood I agree with Alan and by identifying the use of such a 'room' as an area of lower risk, soundwise, you are ignoring the potential risks from the electrical equipment and the proximity of possibly incompetent persons near live electrical equipment. Reg 14 of the E@W Regs 1989 states that suitable precautions must be taken to to prevent injury (of persons who may be exposed to live conductors (contained within the switchgear). Now, your people are not going to fiddle with the equipment, are they? So in terms of 'work' there will be none by those persons taking refuge. However, the Regulation also demands protection from the possible effects of conductor failure affecting such (LV) switchgear, which can explode on fault with a person near it. Believe me, if you have never seen such a failure affecting a nearby person, you don't want to! The main problem is that most employees think that because the equipment is quiet and in a warm environment, then it must be safe and benign! Please try and keep such rooms and enclosures clean and secure from all but essential access by competent electricans or engineers and even then a risk assessment and specific PPE (e.g. flame retardant workwear, gloves and face mask) should be considered before entry. Always have a telephone and outside the room for emergency use and never store other equipment in the room to ensure that free access is available around the equipment and does not prevent speedy egress. Post notices stating what the room contains and stating that entry is controlled through a nominated person. Ensure that emergency contact numbers are also visible outside. Remember that because it is "low voltage" equipment, that does not mean that it is low risk and considerable fault levels can be experienced, which can totally destroy equipment and rooms in the event of a major cable fault or switch failure.