Easy dose it

New Noise Regs compliance solutions
August 15th 2006

The European Council Directive 86/188/EEC for Noise came into force earlier this year, creating a new set of challenges for the Health & Safety manager.

The new regulations have been introduced in an effort to ensure that anybody starting their working life from 2006 should not suffer noise induced hearing loss as a result of noise exposure at work. This action has been taken to address the fact that one of the most prevelant industrial diseases (noise induced hearing loss/Tinnitus) is often largely ignored.

What do we now need to measure?

The directive requires that any worker has their noise level exposure limited to safe levels.

A limit is also placed on peak noise levels which also must be measured. The peak noise levels are used to assess the risk from impulsive noise in the workplace.

The ‘old’ levels were relatively simple to monitor:

• 1st Action Exposure Level

• 2nd Action Exposure Level

• Single Peak Action Level

The NEW action levels and legal limits are more complex:

Action or Legal Limit Level	Value
Lower Exposure Action Level	80dB(A) LEX, 8hr
Upper Exposure Action Level	85dB(A) LEX, 8hr
Legal Exposure Limit	87dB(A) LEX, 8hr
Lower Peak Action Level	135dB(C)
Upper Peak Action Level	137dB(C)
Legal Peak Action Level	140dB(C)

Is there a simple method for measuring these risks?

According to Pulsar Instruments: Yes. Pulsar's new Model 22 doseBadge systems automatically measure the parameters users require whilst the comprehensive software, provided as standard, allows swift creation of reports that are both professional and informative.

The lightweight dosimetry unit is worn by the worker during their full working day.

A reader unit with an integral acoustic calibrator is used to reset, calibrate, start, stop and download the measurements from each doseBadge. The reader uses infrared technology (similar to a television remote control) to communicate with each Model 22 doseBadge.

Why is the versatile Pulsar Model 22 doseBadge different? Pulsar says it is:

• Very small

• Lightweight

• Tamper proof

• Extremely robust

• Very easy to use

• No wires or cables

What are the benefits?

• Comfortable to wear

• Reduces the opportunities for misuse

• Saving in time and effort

• Ease of presentation of key results

• A range of Kits are supplied with everything you need for your survey

• Cost effective

• Safer to use

For further information, just  click here.

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