Arco are committed to helping employers find solutions for noise problems. We know that preventing and reducing high noise levels is a key priority for employers to maintain health and safety standards. From finding out about hearing loss problems and the causes of hearing loss to advising on custom moulded earplugs, we're here to help.
Here, we've put together a series of videos and downloadable sources of guidance and information on how to control noise at work, including presentations, statistics on noise and how-to guides.
Tool Box Talk
Noise Induced Hearing Loss is one of the biggest occupational health problems facing us today. This toolbox talk will assist employers to raise employees' awareness about the negative impacts of noise in the workplace and the steps that can be taken to access, reduce and control noise.
The correct fitting of earplugs is paramount; follow our top tips to fitting earplugs to achieve the level of protection stated on the product.
Custom Moulded Earplugs
Custom moulded earplugs are a great solution to protection demands in the workplace. Find out more about their uses and how they're made here.
Ear Defenders
Follow our top tips on fitting ear defenders to ensure the best level of protection and compatibility with other PPE.
Communication Solutions
There are many benefits of investing in communication solutions including better productivity, improved safety and improved efficiency.
Noise Terms
Decibel (dB)
Decibel (dB) Unit of noise measurement. Works on a logarithmic scale. 3dB increase sound is doubled, 10dB increase sound energy increased by a factor of 10, 20dB increase sound energy increased by a factor of 100.
A-weighting (A-frequency-weighting)
"A" Weighting is the most commonly used and covers the full frequency range of 20Hz all the way up to 20 kHz. The human ear is most sensitive to sound frequencies between 500 Hz and 6 kHz whilst at lower and higher frequencies the human ear is not very sensitive. The "A" weighting adjusts the sound pressure readings to reflect the sensitivity of the human ear and is therefore mandated all over the world for hearing damage risk measurements.
C-weighting (C-frequency-weighting)
The C-weighting looks more at the effect of low-frequency sounds on the human ear compared with the A-weighting and is essentially flat or linear between 31.5Hz and 8kHz, the two - 3dB or "half power" points. Peak Sound Pressure Measurements are made using the C- frequency weighting. Measurements are typically displayed as dB(C) or dBC. Or for example as Lceq or LCPeak - where the C shows the C-weighting.
Laeq
The average noise during a run which we can hear. (L = level, A = A-weighted, eq = "equivalent" or average.)
LCpk
The highest noise which happens during a run even tones we CAN'T hear because it's C-weighted. We need to measure things we can't hear as the sound pressure can still damage our ears.
LEP'd
The average noise level expressed as the 8-hour daily dose figure ie) tells you if you are above or below the 80dB / 85dB Action Levels (L = Level, E = Exposure, P = Personal, D = Dose).
SNR
SNR is a Single Number Rating system. The SNR value can be used to compare the level of noise attenuation offered by different hearing protectors. To determine acoustic pressure on your ears, you subtract the SNR value from the average noise level measured.
Attenuation
The reduction of the force, effect, or value of something.
More from Arco
Managing Risks
Learn how to protect employees from noise and manage the risk by identifying hazards, conducting a risk assessment, and implementing the most appropriate solution.
Our experts can offer you risk assessment support and advice on site surveys, whilst Arco Professional Safety Services can provide high-quality training to ensure you are fully compliant.