How useful is noise information provided with work equipment supplied in Europe?

摘要

Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC requires work equipment manufacturers to minimise noise risk and, where there is residual noise risk, alert employers to their need for action to prevent risk from noise. Work equipment noise is reported as: emission sound pressure level at workstations, peak instantaneous sound pressure level at workstations, and sound power level. This paper reviews the value of noise emission data for specific machine types in: 1. Verifying state-of-the-art noise control; 2. Helping identify low or lower noise equipment; 3. Representing noise hazard for equipment users. Many noise emission values produced according to current harmonised standards appear unlikely to help manufacturers meet their duties to indicate likely noise hazard. Noise data supplied with hand-held sanders and hand-held concrete breakers were of limited use to verify state-of-the-art noise control, identify low or lower noise work equipment, and represent noise hazard during the intended uses of the work equipment. Noise data supplied with wood chippers and printing machinery made clear the noise hazard, identified equipment with low or lower noise, and helped assess state-of-the-art noise control. The emission sound pressure level was found to be both the simplest and the most useful quantity for reporting noise hazard, comparing noise hazard, and verifying state-of-the-art noise control.