Occupational Noise & Vibration Risk Assessment Services from PDA

Occupational Noise & Vibration Risk Assessment Services from PDA

Occupational noise is a serious hazard that can cause several health problems, including hearing loss, tinnitus, and stress. Hearing loss is the most common and severe health problem caused by noise exposure. It can be permanent, leading to difficulty communicating, social isolation, and depression. 

Tinnitus is a ringing or buzzing in the ears that can reduce quality of life. It can be caused by noise exposure, but other factors such as ageing or ear infections can also cause it. 

Exposure to excess noise can also cause stress, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. 

Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from the risks of noise exposure and several steps can be taken, including:

• Choose low-noise tools and machinery. Many tools and machines on the market are designed to be quieter than traditional models. When possible, choose these tools and machines to reduce noise exposure.
• Maintain and lubricate machinery and equipment properly. Worn or damaged machinery can be a significant source of noise. By keeping machinery properly maintained and lubricated, you can help to reduce noise levels.
• Use barriers and screens to block noise. Walls, screens, and other barriers can be used to block noise from reaching workers. This can be an effective way to reduce noise exposure in open areas.
• Enclose or isolate noisy machines. If possible, noisy machines should be enclosed or isolated from workers. This can help to reduce noise levels and protect workers from hearing damage.
• Provide hearing protection for workers. When noise levels cannot be reduced to safe levels, hearing protection should be provided for workers. Hearing protection can help to protect workers from hearing loss and other health problems caused by noise exposure.
• Ensuring employees take regular breaks from noisy environments and are trained on the risks of noise exposure and how to protect themselves.
• Working with specialists such as PDA to implement changes to reduce noise levels in the workplace.

By taking steps to reduce excessive occupational noise, you can help to protect the health and safety of your workers.

PDA can also help employers to comply with health and safety regulations regarding excessive vibration. Workers exposed to excessive vibration may be at increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as hand-arm vibration syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, vibration white finger, and back pain. These ailments can again significantly reduce quality of life and of course reduce productivity, employee morale and job satisfaction.

How PDA can help

PDA is a company that provides noise and vibration assessment and control services. We can measure the noise and vibration employees are exposed to and then ascertain their risk exposure level in accordance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Advice and guidance can be given on reducing employee exposure to noise and vibration where appropriate.

Some of the services PDA offers include:

• Environmental noise assessment surveys.
• Extensive experience of BS4142:2014, BS8233:2014 and WHO Guidelines for Community Noise.
• Outline assessments and initial options.
• Sound propagation modelling.
• Noise control design and project management.
• Technical support for negotiation with Local Authorities.
• Commissioning Survey of the completed development.
• Onsite measurements of the vibration levels emitted from hand-held tools/equipment or ride-on machinery or platforms.
• Calculation of daily exposure values.
• Advice on the maximum time machinery/equipment or tools may be safely operated before acceptable vibration levels are exceeded.
• Scheduling work patterns to reduce exposure to vibration.
• Methods for reducing the vibration from machinery where possible.

If you are an employer concerned about the risk of excessive noise or vibration exposure to your employees, then we recommend you contact PDA to discuss your needs. 

We will provide you with a free consultation and help you develop a plan to reduce noise and vibration exposure in your workplace.