Exposure to noise can cause both temporary and long-term hearing damage.
Types of machinery
- Self-propelled machines, mowers, grain blowers – noise emissions from power sources and moving parts
- Woodchippers, firewood processors, grain handling equipment – additional noise created by materials and crops being processed
Operator errors
- Failure to keep covers and enclosures in place and in good condition
- Not using correct hearing protection
Design points
- Control noise at source by using components, damping and attenuation materials to reduce emissions
- Provide enclosures that contain the noise emissions
- Additional controls may be required for outdoor machinery to reduce environmental noise emissions
Operator instructions and training
Instructions for using this type of machinery must include clear guidance on:
- The need to keep enclosures properly maintained.
- The noise levels emitted by the machine which must also be shown on technical sales literature
- How exposure to noise can be reduced or controlled where residual risk remains.