RR1183 - Chainsaws noise information from suppliers: usefulness for tool selection and risk assessment to protect workers
Exposure of workers to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing damage. The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 require manufacturers to provide information on noise emission sound pressure levels. The information is used by duty holders in choosing low or lower noise machinery and carrying out a workplace noise risk assessment to identify effective control measures to protect workers. HSE researchers contributed to a market surveillance exercise on chainsaws carried out in 2016 to 2017 which showed that the emission sound pressure level supplied with chainsaws can provide a clear indication of noise hazard. However, research was needed to establish its usefulness for: choosing low or lower noise chainsaws; and workplace noise risk assessment.
This report describes research done in 2018-2019 to assess the reliability and usefulness of noise information supplied with a sample of combustion, electric and battery operated chainsaws. Suppliers’ information is based on noise test codes for chainsaws which require operation under artificial conditions designed to represent typical noisiest use. The researchers measured the noise generated at the operator’s ear for a sample of combustion, electric and battery operated chainsaws during typical real-use tasks. They compared the results with the emission sound pressure levels supplied for the machines.
The researchers found that noise test codes for chain-saws can produce emission sound pressure levels that: make clear the noise hazard; assist in the selection of chainsaws with reduced noise emission; and are useful for workplace noise risk assessments. However, the research showed that some manufacturers fail to apply the noise test code properly, resulting in a false indication of low noise.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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