In this issue of Industrial Process News, we are proud to honour Cirrus Research for Industry Excellence in Measuring and Monitoring innovation.
Excessive workplace noise poses risks to employee well-being and necessitates compliance with regulations. Monitoring noise levels is crucial for creating a productive and safe work environment, whilst also being vital to protect your business against claims, fines and prosecution from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).
This article explores the importance of noise monitoring in the workplace, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, and highlights three innovative devices from Cirrus Research to transform the way you measure and monitor noise at work.
Understanding the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005)
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations ensures employee protection from excessive workplace noise and require employers to reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work.
These regulations stipulate that employers must assess and control noise exposure levels to ensure compliance and protect the well-being of their workforce.
Employers are required to conduct noise assessments to identify areas where noise levels exceed the upper exposure action values (85dB) or lower exposure action values (80dB). If noise levels exceed these thresholds, employers must implement control measures to minimise exposure and protect employees.
The regulations also necessitate the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hearing protection, and establish health surveillance programs.
Importance of Monitoring Workplace Noise
Monitoring workplace noise is vital for employee well-being and compliance with regulations.
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing loss, increased stress and reduced concentration. Regular noise assessments help identify hazards, implement necessary and effective control measures, and safeguard and protect your employees and your organisation.
At Cirrus Research, we provide a selection of instruments for measuring and monitoring noise that will aid in accurate measurement, management, and communication of workplace noise.
Introducing the Cirrus Research doseBadge Personal Noise Dosimeter
The Cirrus Research doseBadge Personal Noise Dosimeter accurately measures an individual’s noise exposure throughout the day. Its lightweight design ensures comfort while capturing detailed data. The doseBadge facilitates compliance assessments and enables the implementation of control measures.
There are a few options to consider when looking to purchase a doseBadge Personal Noise Dosimeter:
- The Original doseBadge4 Personal Noise Dosimeter is the original wireless personal noise dosimeter, which is the ideal tool to carry out occupational and industrial hygiene noise measurements and provides a unique solution for these applications.
- The IS doseBadge is an intrinsically safe version of the original doseBadge, so includes all of the same exciting features with added intrinsic safety. This means that the instrument can be safely used in explosive atmospheres.
- The Advanced doseBadge5 Personal Noise Dosimeter is high performance and allows you to make compliant occupational noise measurements. With all the features of the original doseBadge, plus some added key features, this device is discreet, robust and reliable.
Exploring the Cirrus Research Optimus+ Red Sound Level Meter
The Optimus + Red sound level meter is another powerful device for monitoring noise in the workplace. This handheld instrument provides real-time noise measurements, enabling quick and accurate assessments of noise levels in various work environments.
With its high-resolution colour OLED screen, this instrument displays essential noise parameters and allows users to visualise data trends effectively. It offers advanced functionalities ensuring comprehensive noise monitoring capabilities.
The Optimus+ Red serves both general noise assessments and specific tasks, such as measuring machinery noise or identifying noise ‘hotspots’ within a facility.
The SoundSign Noise activated warning sign from Cirrus Research
The SoundSign Noise Activated Warning Sign is an innovative tool that enhances workplace communication and promotes noise awareness. It is a visual noise monitoring and warning device that displays real-time noise levels using bright LED indicators. This allows employees to have a clear visual indication of noise levels in their immediate vicinity.
The SoundSign can be strategically placed in communal areas or workspaces, reminding individuals to maintain an environment conducive to concentration and communication.
With customisable threshold settings, the device can trigger lit up warning messages or signals when noise levels exceed predefined limits, prompting employees to take necessary action to reduce noise.
Monitoring noise in the workplace is essential for prioritising employee wellbeing, complying with regulations, and fostering effective communication. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 establishes guidelines for employers to assess and control noise exposure levels. By utilising the innovative devices from Cirrus Research, you can proactively address noise-related challenges, create a safer and healthier work environment, and enhance overall productivity and employee satisfaction.
The Cirrus Research advantage
We have been pioneering and innovating solutions that have made monitoring and measuring noise and vibration easier and more accessible than ever before for more than 50 years. As one of the world’s leading designers, manufacturers and suppliers of noise measurement instruments, we’re the name that you can rust to provide accurate, reliable and easy-to-use equipment that will stand up to scrutiny.
When you purchase from Cirrus Research, not only do you benefit from our accurate, reliable and easy-to-use noise measurement instruments, you also receive the following added value through the Cirrus Research Advantage:
- Easy to use instrumentation
- 15-year warranty
- Licence-free data analysis and reporting tools
- Accurate, reliable and compliant noise measurement data
- In-house technical support
- Designed, manufactured and supported in the UK
Interested in learning more about measuring and monitoring noise at work? You can contact the experienced team at Cirrus Research by emailing: sales@cirrusresearch.com, by calling: 01723 891655 or by visiting: www.cirrusresearch.co.uk