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Noise Monitoring at Dutch Poultry Farm

Envirocare performed Noise Monitoring at a Dutch Poultry Farm in order to assess employee exposures to noise levels

Poultry Farm

The Problem

Noise levels at Dutch Poultry Farm needed to be monitored in order to assess the exposure to employees.

The Solution

Noise monitoring was performed in accordance with principles laid down in the HSE’s “Controlling Noise at Work” – Guidance on the Control of Noise at Work Regulations, 2005, L108, Part 2 and the Appendices.

In addition, results were also evaluated against exposure values set out in “Directive 2003/10/EC – noise of 3 February” on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risk arising from physical agents (noise) (Seventeen individual directives within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC).

Various areas and activities throughout the farm were identified as Hearing Protection Zones with noise levels in excess of 85dB(A), including areas in the near vicinity of crowing cockerels. Additional areas were identified as Noise Hazard Areas, where noise levels were between the Upper and Lower Exposure Action Values of 85dB(A) and 80dB(A) respectively.

Based on octave frequency band analysis performed, Envirocare was able to determine the effectiveness of the hearing protection available to employees at the time of the noise survey. Recommendations were also made regarding some alternative hearing protection which may be more suitable to the working environment.

Further recommendations were made in accordance with the Noise Regulations, such as:

  • Provision of signage to identify areas as Hearing Protection Zones or Noise Hazard Areas
  • Provide information and training to staff regarding the risks associated with noise exposure
  • Investigate the physical state of all machinery in use to prevent noise levels resulting from poorly maintained units

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