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AVT eliminates EU noise headache
Continued focus on noise at work issues and confusion over exact implications of the European Noise Directive are prompting manufacturers to seek expert guidance.
The European Noise Directive for equipment used outdoors became UK legislation in 2002 but many within the industry have reported they remain uncertain about their obligations under the law.
The Directive is part of an overall programme throughout the EU to control noise emissions and reduce its harm on equipment operators and bystanders. It replaces legislation from nine separate Directives and covers 57 categories of equipment, from lawn mowers, to construction machinery, from concrete breakers to wheelie bins.
With manufacturers therefore being called upon to ‘prove’ the noise levels of the machinery produced, many companies are choosing to focus on their core business activity and leave sound testing to the experts.
UK consultancy AV Technology is working with the likes of JCB, Caterpillar, John Deere and companies around the world to ensure machinery produced and imported into the EU meets the stringent requirements.
The main requirements for the directive are for either the manufacturer or the manufacturer’s authorised representative to determine the noise levels of their equipment and to affix labels showing the ‘guaranteed’ noise level of each machine.
Of the 57 listed categories, 22 are currently subject to specified maximum noise limits, including the likes of compaction machines, concrete breakers and picks, dumpers and excavators, while the remainder are only required to have noise levels labels affixed.
The manufacturer prepares the relevant technical documentation, including details of construction and carries out noise tests on production machines in order to arrive at a guaranteed noise level. This guaranteed noise level must take into account the uncertainties due to production variation and other factors.
For the 22 types of equipment subject to noise limits, notified bodies must be involved in the verification procedures. Their role is to audit the technical documentation and testing procedures, ensuring compliance with the Directive. In addition, they have an ongoing involvement with the manufacturer to monitor the production process. The technical documentation must consider all factors that influence the noise produced by the machine and it must be a live document, whereby the notified body is informed of all ongoing changes in design and production that may affect the noise level.
For the remaining types, the manufacturer takes full responsibility for the testing and uncertainty calculations. Although the fundamental requirements of the Directive appear relatively straightforward, actually unravelling all the relevant information is causing a certain amount of confusion and bewilderment.
Alan Matthews, AVT Noise and Vibration divisional manager, is working with manufacturers around the world to ensure they meet the EU’s stringent requirements. “We have found that many companies continue to struggle with the Directive as they are unclear on which construction factors influence noise levels and are confused about the necessary ‘uncertainty calculations’. However, by offering a practical approach, based on our experience in noise assessment, we can save companies time and effort by assisting them produce the relevant technical files, set up the testing procedures and interpret results. If required, we can also carry out noise testing on their behalf.”
For companies manufacturing outside Europe, the requirements of the Directive relating to the assessment of production processes must still be met and AVT are currently working with many manufacturers in the USA and Asia. This involves visiting plants and assessing the testing procedures and production processes.
Matthews concluded: “There is increased pressure from the EU and government to ensure a safe product to their clients. And now, with the introduction of the Control of Noise at Work regulations in April, customers also need to be assured that they can accurately determine the noise from machinery and provide a safe working environment for staff on site. AVT is therefore alleviating this burden on manufacturers to make certain they are following the letter of the law.”
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