Changes to new noise legislation
Reducing noise levels in the workplace – it effects the
paint shop as well !!!
No doubt
you have all heard about the up and coming changes to the “ Noise at Work
Regulations 1989” which details the responsibility on our customers
regarding noise in the workplace
To
summarise the current law as it stands at the moment we are reminded that in
accordance with the noise at work act 1989 there are the following action
levels
A)
First action level, this means daily personal exposure of 85 dba
B)
Second action level this means a daily personal exposure of 90 dba
C) Peak
action level , this means a peak sound pressure of 200 pascals
Every employer shall ensure, so far as practicable, that when
any of his employees are likely to be exposed to the first action level or
above in circumstances where daily personal noise exposure is likely to be
less than 90 dB(A) that employees are provided, at their request, with
suitable and efficient personal ear protectors.
Every employer shall ensure, so far as practical, that when
any of his employees are likely to be exposed to the second action level or
above or to the peak action level or above, that employees are provided with
suitable personal ear protectors which, when properly worn, can reasonably
be expected to keep the risk of damage to that employees hearing to below
that arising from exposure to the second action level or, as the case may be
to the peak action level.
Basically if noise levels are above 85 dba but below 90 dba,
warning signs must be provided together with ear defenders if requested. If
above 90 dba ear efficient ear protection must be provided.
The changes
A European
Directive has been adopted which means that we must introduce new UK noise
regulations by February 2006
The
above 1st action level will drop to 80 dba
The
second action level will drop to 85dba
There will be a limit of 87 dba however this does take into
account the reduction obtained after wearing ear protection
The
emphasis is on the employer , however we all know how difficult it is to
wear ear protection with air fed masks etc. So as manufactures of plant we
also have a massive responsibility to improve our deigns and supply plant
that meets the regulations without our customers having to undertake extra
measures of control.
What can we do ?
The new
“Whisper Booth “
As of
immediate effect we can now offer a complete new range of dry filter quiet
booths , from 2000 mm to 6000 mm wide.
The
outward appearance may look like a std booth , but that’s were it stops. We
incorporate extremely quiet slow running centrifugal fans inside the plenum
chamber behind the extract filters.
The motor
remains outside and easily accessible for maintenance. The fan assembly has
sealed for life bearings and therefore need no maintenance ( no monthly
greasing etc ) unlike conventional belt driven axials.
Two stage
filtration will be supplied as standard , as the mesh part of the filter
frame must be used as a fan guard and be mechanically fixed in position.
5 of these
booths have recently been installed in Kent 2 off 7000 mm wide booths and 3
off
5000 mm
wide booths.
We carried
out extensive performance checks on all of them and noted the following:
Recorded noise levels ,( all
operating at 0.7 – 0.8 m/sec face velocity )
7000
mm booth 1
69.6 dba
7000
mm booth 2
70.4 dba
5000
mm booth 1
69.7 dba
5000
mm booth 2
69.7 dba
5000
mm booth 3
70.9 dba
Remember that each of the above booths had 2 fans on. When
all the booths were working the overall noise level in the shop was still
under 72dba. This was with a total extract rate of a massive 46.69m3/sec , (
98920 cfm )
