4oTrimestre15 | PROTECCIÓN LABORAL 85 Updates products Mida todo. No olvide nada. El sonómetro líder para el ruido ocupacional El Optimus Red de Cirrus Research es: • Sencillo, efectivo y fácil de usar • Fiable para los profesionales que deben cumplir con regulaciones de ruido ocupacional • Ahora con nuevas funciones como la verificación de datos AuditStoreTM para sus mediciones acústicas Para solicitar una demo GRATUITA visite nuestras webs en Español www.cirrusresearch.es (España) y www.ruidoambientalyocupacional.com (América Latina) Which are the 5 biggest noise at work mistakes? -Mistake 1. Not doing anything. Employers and workers could be exposed to high noise levels that are damaging their hearing. For that reason employers could become liable if employees develop Noise-Induced Hearing Loss since the law EU DIRECTIVE 2003/10/EC is being broken. To solve this problem the risk from noise must be spotted and also who is likely to be affected. A reliable estimate of your employees' exposures should be obtained and then compare it with the exposure action values and limit values. Noise risks should be regularly assessed to ensure optimum protection. -Mistake 2. Not using the right instruments. These assessments should be carried out with instrument that meet the standard to obtain valid readings, otherwise the measurements could be called into question further down the line. The sound level meter should meet at least Class 2 of BS EN 61672-1:2003 (the current Standard). To choose the right instrument we must bear in mind the parameters we need to measure. The equivalent continuous A- weighted sound pressure level (LAeq) and the maximum C- weighted peak sound pressure level (LCPeak) should be enough. -Mistake 3. Not measuring correctly. Once we have an instrument the best practice guidelines must be followed. The Directive says that the noise should be measured at the position of the operator’s head, preferably without the operator being present. Although if operator has to stay there, the measurement should be done at least at a distance of 15 cm, close enough to be representative. -Mistake 4. Not calibrating the meter. It’s difficult to know if a sound level meter has been damaged or malfunctioned before use. According to the regulations, a sound calibrator should be used to check the meter each day before and after making measurements. The calibrator should meet at least Class 2 of DIN EN 60942:2003. Cirrus recommends customers to send their instruments to be recalibrated at least every two years to comply with the Regulations. This will ensure that both your instruments and the calibrator are working correctly. -Mistake 5. Not trying to control noise risks first. A noise hazard has been identified and the entire workforce has got hearing protection but there’s a still a risk. Maybe staff is overprotected from excessive noise, so hearing protection is always the last resort. Finding the right protection can be difficult but there is an easier way. Cirrus NoiseTools Software can automatically recommend a range of hearing protection from any noise measurements. Even better, it’s free with the Cirrus Noise at Work Measurement Products.