NOISE EXPOSURE MONITORING IN CALL CENTRES

Richard Tyler C.Eng. F.I.O.A.

A.V.I. Ltd.

• Noise exposure at work has been regulated for years

• The EU’s Physical Agents (Noise) Directive soon to be implemented lowers by 5 dB the daily exposure of workers

• UK’s HSE will be issuing“Control of Noise at Work Regulations” in 2005

• Implemented on 15th February 2006

• Will require risk assessments to be made on all staff

• Action is mandated to reduce exposure if the limit value is approached or exceeded.

• The assessments must be related to the action value and the limit value

• The PA(N)D specifies limits on noise measured in open spaces

• Noise inside earpiece of headset needs to measured in a special way – converting to new limits is not straightforward!

• HSE recognised need for low-cost equipment to measure headsets properly

• Bids for project using non-invasive techniques invited

• Two monitoring systems to be developed - for noise exposure and acoustic shocks

Awarded to

AVI Ltd

with assistance from

Apple Dynamics,

HSL

AV Calibration Ltd.

• Noise exposure measured by the H2 Monitor

• 2 acoustic measures made – noise in the headset earpiece and local ambient noise

• H2 monitor measures exposures in 1 minute intervals and saves all data for both signals

• Download data to PC where overall daily exposures are calculated automatically as required in the PA(N) Directive

• Graph of exposure measured during the day produced

• To set-up the H2 needs one set of information about the make & type of headset in use

• AVI can measure and supply this for any headset

• Current exposure levels not widely known - mostly thought to be below current limits if ambient noise not too high

• New levels will mean more people exposed to levels near or above the limit value

• Monitoring is the only way to determine actual exposure

• Monitoring shows duty of care

• Action is mandated if exposure exceeds limit value

ACOUSTIC SHOCK

• Rare event – random monitoring unlikely to detect

• H2 Monitor modified to add real-time high-quality audio storage

• Records continuously with 15 second loop

• Monitor detects likely shocks and stops recording loop 12 seconds after detection

• Audio saved on smart card – replay on PC sound card

WHAT NEEDS TO BE CONSIDERED?

• Are the noise exposure levels above the first action level or even higher?

• Is a duty of care being shown?

• Non-compliance with the new limits can be prosecuted and Insurance Companies are taking interest in audio risks

• Costs of non-compliance could be high

AVI can offer• Supply of H2 monitors• Training of personnel in use

of H2 monitorOR

• Noise exposure surveys• Consultancy and advice

• H2 Monitor can be used with any make or model of headset once details are programmed in

• Consider establishing current position well before 2006!

Presentation given byRichard TylerAVI Ltd.,13c Old Bridge Way,Shefford,Beds. SG17 5HQTel: 01462 638618E-mail sales@avi.f2s.com