Is the assessment of employee's `likely noise exposure`, in accordance with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (NI) 2006.
The assessment is to ascertain the likely exposure levels of employees. This is based around: employee duties, equipment, other areas including driver operations and analysis of hearing protection.
EXPOSURE LIMIT VALUES AND ACTION VALUES
Lower Exposure Action Value of 80 dB(A)
Upper Exposure Action Value of 85 dB(A)
Exposure Limit Values of 87 dB(A)
Peak Action Level of 112Pa (135 dB)
Peak Action Level of 140Pa (137 dB)
Peak Action Level of 200Pa (140 dB)
The Brüel & Kjær type 2250 Sound Level Meter is used and provides real-time analysis of the 1/1- and or 1/3-octave filter bands helpful for real analysis of hearing protection via octave bands rather than SNR (Single Noise Rating)
WE DO NOT assess using dose meters.
This is an unattended assessment and noises present may not be identified. Additionally they are unable to give accurate recommendation based on hearing protection.
WE DO suggest this is an acceptable internal spot check for any Health & safety officer/Manager (in between a consultant based assessment).
Tier level reports are tailored to suit Companies requirements;
We submit reports accredited by independent bodies on behalf of the Institute of Acoustics & British Society Audiology (BSA)
(Pure tone) is a process of evaluating a person's response to individual frequency tones, compared against the Health & Safety Executive Categorised guidelines. All in accordance with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (NI) 2006.
Testing is recommended before people are exposed to noise i.e. (new starts).
However, Audiometry can & should be introduced at any time for employees already exposed to
levels of 85dB(A) on a daily basis. Audiometric screening is carried out using a mobile unit. The
unit guarantees a facility where screening can be carried out at the Company’s premises/onsite
(reducing down time, costs & duty of care), and away from the working environment ensuring total
respect for each employee.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (NI) 2006 guidance recommends following
Personally we find the BSA recommendation more straight forward
We maintain both practices (meter readings are taken and provided for reference)
Tier level; reports are tailored to suit Companies requirements;
CENS® ProFlex Hunter are designed especially with the rifle marksman in mind. The brand new state-of-the-art circuitry inside every CENS® Hunter is capable of suppressing the louder gunshot noise generated by rifle and large calibre ammunition for a greater level of hearing protection.
Features a program push button which switches between the following programs:
Program 1: Designed for rifleman primarily this program provides good all round ambient awareness.
Program 2: Similar characteristics as program 1 but with programming modifications to reduce noise interference.
Every pair is also supplied with Wind Shields that fit over the ear, cutting down wind noise even further when using a high chair or when shooting in severe conditions.
CENS® ProFlex digital are not suitable for very small ears. CENS® digital (acrylic) can be made as an alternative.ProFlex Hunter features:
Developed for the discerning competition shooter, this model provides comprehensive hearing protection with ambient awareness except for those critical
minutes on the stand where concentration and silence is key to successfully obtaining high scores.
On the stand, program 2 mutes sound amplification and once off the stand, program 1 provides amplification for situation awareness and conversation
without the need to remove the hearing protection.
Ideal for regular clay competition shooters, and shooters who require maximum concentration when taking that important shot,
before switching back to being able to have a normal conversation.
Features a program push button which switches between the following programs:
Program 1: A fine tuned general shooting program, providing ambient awareness for a natural listening experience.
Program 2: Solid plug simulation, muting ambient sounds preventing distractions around the shooter.
CENS® ProFlex digital are not suitable for very small ears. CENS® digital (acrylic) can be made as an alternative.ProFlex Competition features:
Evolution in gunshot hearing protection continues with the CENS® ProFlex electronic module combined with unique multi-softness custom fit earpieces. This new unique design combines superb functionality with an eye catching appearance, and this latest development leads the trend towards obstruction free, comfortable custom noise suppression for today’s shooter.
The CENS® ProFlex is also suitable for use with both rifle and shotgun shooters. Made from flexible, medical-grade silicone material, these digital, ultra soft noise suppressors are designed to be extremely comfortable over long durations, whilst still providing the excellent suppression you expect from CENS® digital. The electronic module is removable making cleaning a simple effective operation.
Features a program push button which switches between the following programs:
Program 1: Optimised for game shooting where there are intermittent shots. This configuration also helps by amplifying sounds such as wings flapping, thus providing the shooter with advanced warning of approaching quarry.
Program 2: Optimised for clay shooting where there are continued shots. This system has been designed to allow more flexible noise suppression while still amplifying ambient sounds.
CENS® ProFlex digital are not suitable for very small ears. CENS® digital (acrylic) can be made as an alternative.
ProFlex digital 2 features:
Evolution in gunshot hearing protection continues with the CENS® ProFlex electronic module combined with unique multi-softness custom fit earpieces. This new unique design combines superb functionality with an eye catching appearance, and this latest development leads the trend towards obstruction free, comfortable custom hearing protection for today’s shooter.
The CENS® ProFlex is also suitable for use with both rifle and shotgun shooters. Made from flexible, medical-grade silicone material, these digital, ultra soft noise suppressors are designed to be extremely comfortable over long durations, whilst still providing the excellent suppression you expect from CENS® digital. The electronic module is removable making cleaning a simple effective operation.
Featuring a fine tuned general shooting program, which boosts quieter sounds such as approaching birds and quarry to clear audible levels, giving you the edge on the competition.
CENS® ProFlex digital are not suitable for very small ears. CENS® digital (acrylic) can be made as an alternative.ProFlex digital 1 features:
Providing unsurpassed suppression, while giving the wearer improved perceived sound, CENS® digital 2 are the original custom electronic noise suppressors.
Features a program push button which switches between the following programs:
Program 1: Optimised for game shoot where there are intermittent shots. This configuration also helps by amplifying sounds such as wings flapping, thus providing the shooter with advanced warning of approaching quarry.
Program 2: Optimised for clay shoots where there are continued shots. This system has been designed to allow more flexible noise suppression while still amplifying ambient sounds.
CENS® digital 2 - audibly superior custom noise suppression.
Key Features:
Providing unsurpassed suppression, while giving the wearer improved perceived sound, CENS® digital 1 are the original custom electronic noise suppressors.
Featuring a fine tuned general shooting program, which boosts quieter sounds such as approaching birds and quarry to clear audible levels, giving you the edge on the competition.
CENS® digital 1 - audibly superior custom noise suppression.
Key Features:
Usable straight out of the box, and featuring state-of-the-art CENS® digital technology, the new Mino CENS® offers shooters an affordable way to experience comprehensive CENS® digital electronic hearing protection.
- Effectively Suppresses Gunshot Noise
- Boosts Ambient Sounds
- Hear Conversation As Normal
- No Gun Mount Interference
- Universal Fitting
Mino CENS® universal electronic ear plugs are specifically designed to fit into any ear without the need for ear impressions or a custom-made earmould, and like full CENS® Proflex, also still allows for clear communication as well as enhanced ambient awareness. When a gunshot is fired, the electronic circuit instantly suppresses the loud noise, protecting your hearing!
Mino CENS® are supplied with 5 different sized high quality foam ear tips, providing an effective and comfortable universal fit wearing experience. This can then be enhanced even further by purchasing custom-made eartips at a later date.
Every pair is also supplied with Wind Shields that fit over the ear, cutting down wind noise even further when using a high chair or when shooting in severe conditions.
Mino CENS® Features:
ProFlex Passive Earplugs combine the ProFlex multi-softness earpiece with a filtered passive module to provide cost‐effective hearing protection with ambient awareness.
These earplugs can be upgraded to full CENS® ProFlex digital by purchasing the electronic module at a later date, allowing you to spread the cost of the earplugs and modules over time.
ProFlex Passive Earplugs Features:
Is a process of assessing a person’s lung function capability against the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) & Crest guidelines.
All in accordance with The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (amendments 2003, 2005).
Testing is recommended before people are exposed i.e. (new starts).
However, Spirometry can & should be introduced at any time for employees already exposed to products labelled R42/43 or the following substances: Isocyanate paints (eg 2-pack paints), flour dust, grain dust, glutaraldehyde, wood dust, latex, rosin-cored solder fume, glues, resins and also laboratory animals (this list is not exhaustive).
Spirometric screening is carried out using a mobile unit.
The unit guarantees a facility where screening can be carried out at the Company’s premises/onsite (reducing down time, costs & duty of care), and away from the working environment ensuring total respect for each employee.
Procedure
We submit a report (accredited by an independent body), and can be tailored; i.e As contracted technician/s and upon the Clients request we will provide either;
Tier level; reports are tailored to suit Company requirement;
Checklist when purchasing health surveillance provision
If you have found that you need health surveillance, the following checklist may be useful before or during a first meeting with a potential health surveillance provider.
When looking to appoint a competent advisor to help with health surveillance in your workplace, you should try to find someone with experience of dealing with your particular industry and the hazards involved. Responsible persons A responsible person is someone in your organisation who is given the responsibility to help deliver a health surveillance system from within the workplace. They will have received training or coaching on what they need to do to perform this role effectively – which may involve training from a health professional, a health and safety professional, management or any other, as appropriate. This person's role in the health surveillance system should be clearly defined and they should be someone who is trusted by the workforce, with good communication/interpersonal skills.
Do I always need a competent medical professional when implementing health surveillance?
No. In some cases, where there is no requirement for statutory medical surveillance, there are things you can do to keep costs down (eg) putting a trained responsible person in charge of surveying the workforce for early signs of ill health). However, you will still need to call on an appropriately qualified doctor or nurse to deal with any ill health found.
Occupational health technicians
Occupational health technicians are trained and qualified in specific areas, such as SPIROMETRY OR AUDIOLOGY and if they are engaged in health surveillance they should provide competent advice to the employer.
If you have a large workforce, you may wish to consider having a competent occupational health professional employed to be in charge of your programme, to advise and help you to manage health risks.
Appointed doctors
Appointed doctors undertake statutory medical surveillance examinations – a special type of health surveillance required under certain regulations (eg, for work with asbestos or ionising radiation). Appointed doctors must be approved by HSE.
Occupational health doctors and nurses
Occupational health doctors and nurses provide health surveillance services for employers whose employees are exposed to certain hazards at work (eg, noise and hand-arm vibration). They should not be confused with appointed doctors who undertake statutory medical examinations – see above.
When appointing an occupational health doctor or nurse, it is important to find someone with experience in your industry, or a related industry. You should also:
Relevant qualifications can be confirmed with the appropriate governing body: the General Medical Council and the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (for doctors); or the Nursing and Midwifery Council. Nurses holding specialist qualifications in occupational health will be registered as specialist community health nurses (OH).
After achieving the recognised Certificate from the British Society Audiology (BSA) we established a portable facility to service commercial industry, by being the only company at the time to carry out audiometric screening portably onsite and within an acoustic sound booth.
Soon afterwards, continuing our program of continual Professional development we entered the acoustic consultancy field and expanded our portfolio within the health and safety business sectors.
To date we have maintained a working relationship within a wide range of Commercial business across the Province, with; Audiometric screening (hearing tests), Spirometry (Lung assessment), Noise at Work and Custom moulded hearing protection, Recently we have supported a number of Companies in Dundalk and Dublin with Hearing Protection & Ear irrigation.
Business philosophy:To provide a competitive service through growth & superior customer satisfaction in our Service, Innovation, Quality and Commitment. Helping business to maintain the safety of employees at work through Surveillance (Noise & Health).
Business Strength:The company's strength is in the unique individual style tailored to meeting an exact program of service around hearing conservation. With consistent Reliability & a commitment in purchasing we only provide quality products for our services.
Mission Statement:To provide an individual High quality service to meet the needs of both Employer and the Employee through the better understanding / knowledge and acceptance of Health & Hearing Conservation It is our intention to allocate sufficient resources in time and money to achieve these objectives and we are confident that the importance of our objectives will be recognised by all employees and employers concerned and that every individual will co-operate responsibly in the sustained efforts necessary to attain them.
Members have completed Certification in:
2016 Amplivox
2012 Aston University (Life & Health Sciences)
2004 & 2007 British Society Audiology (BSA)
2006 Attended Jordanstown course Institute of Acoustics (IOA)
Health & Safety Excutive NI
http://www.hseni.gov.uk/index.html
CENS Digital
http://censdigital.com/range.html
Health & Safety Excutive UK
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.html
Noise at work Over 1 million employees in Great Britain are exposed to levels of noise which put their hearing at risk.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/advice.html
Advice for employers; The health effects of noise at work & Do you have a noise problem at work?
CATS Ltd;
Wish to thank all our clients who have supported us & their employees over the past years in providing our services.
This forthcoming year CATS Ltd. will invest in additional products to improve our Services.
Contract Acoustic Testing Services Ltd are a Health and Safety / Health Surveillance company based
in the Newtownabbey area, with our services available across Northern Ireland.
Contract Acoustic Testing Services Ltd
Malcolm Hutchinson
108a Ballyrobert Road
Ballyclare
Co. Antrim
BT39 9RT
E-mail: info@industrialaudiometry.com
Mobile: 078 34541888
"We have used Contract Acoustic Testing Services Ltd to conduct workplace noise assessments and audiometric testing since 2007. The service we receive from CATS is second to none and Malcolm is extremely professional, knowledgeable, courteous and friendly at all times. The Company is always prepared to go that extra mile to facilitate our business needs and shift patterns in terms of early starts or late finishes.''
M. McCauley
H&S Office
Manufacturing Company
"I have been working with Contract Acoustic Services Ltd since 2013, when I was appointed HR/ H&S Officer and I took over the Health & Safety within the company. The role at first was a daunting one, as everything was very new to me however Malcolm was extremely patient and informative throughout which enabled a smooth transition for both parties. Malcolm is exceptionally knowledgeable in his field, and strives to provide a reliable, professional and competitive service at all times. We are delighted with the service that we receive, and have found that Malcolm is helpful not only in answering any queries regarding the Industrial Audiometric Screening carried out on site, but goes above and beyond in helping to source any other relevant information and contacts we have required over the years.''
Fiona Savage
Human Resources/ Health & Safety Officer