Noise measurement products manufacturer, Pulsar Instruments, has launched a mobile noise safety system, developed in partnership with Interserve Construction Limited, to be used at live construction environments.
Interserve, the international support services and construction group, contacted noise at work experts, Pulsar Instruments, to help them come up with a solution to be trialed at their first construction project at the University of York’s Piazza Learning Group. The company was keen to identify problems with operatives and activities that can lead to noise-induced hearing loss which remains one of the biggest challenges in the construction industry.
To comply with the Noise at Work Regulations, Interserve carry out rigorous risk assessments to identify which tools or processes are likely to expose its operators to dangerous levels of noise and when they are required to wear hearing protection. The company also wanted to address the needs of nearby sub-contractors and operators working in a variety of trades on site who are exposed to the same noise levels. Interserve identified that these operatives were not warned about the need to wear hearing protection effectively and were left at risk from noise exposure. Often hearing protection would be worn too late or after operatives had already been exposed. Interserve decided to adopt a more pro-active approach to noise safety. They investigated a safety sign that would warn other operatives that noise in their area of work required them to wear hearing protection because another noisy task was being undertaken nearby.
Construction sites are a constant changing environment as the building progresses and grows. One of the key reasons for opting for the smaller Pulsar SafeEar sign was to allow the flexibility of the device to be transported about easily as tradesmen worked around the building. The heavy duty tripod gives it a stable mounted base that can then move with the sign, wherever the building requires it to be transported due to the tasks being completed. Inevitably on a construction site there are lots of materials and people and the requirement for it to be mounted on a sturdy tripod to prevent it being knocked over accidently was key.
Bespoke noise safety system
Lianne Lawson, Senior Site Manager at Interserve Construction Limited, said:
‘Pulsar Instruments have been exceptional in communication and understanding a problem that exists in a large industry.
They have collaborated with Interserve to appreciate the problems encountered and worked to change the industry and improve long term health issues such as noise-induced hearing loss. Their approach to problem solving and learning the intricacies of a construction site have been welcomed and have collectively created a product that will benefit many people who work in this dynamic industry.’
Sarah Brack, MD of Pulsar Instruments said:
‘The SafeEar is one of our most popular and established instruments and, due to its diversity, it has been the perfect aid to warn of excessive noise levels in many different areas. Upon meeting Lianne and her team at the University of York – Piazza learning Centre, we were asked to develop a SafeEar that met construction site conditions. Our developers came up with a version that met the 110V site regulations and also mounted the sign onto a robust, highly visible tripod. An important factor for Interserve was that the unit could be easily moved around site. We have accomplished this by providing a complete system that is extremely rugged yet compact and therefore can be effortlessly moved around site or indeed from location to location as needs arise.
Being able to collaborate and provide innovative instrumentation for companies such as Interserve, who have such a renowned reputation for excellence in Health & Safety, has been an absolute pleasure and we are looking forward to working with them more in the future.’
Pulsar Instruments plc design and manufacture noise monitoring solutions – from basic hand-held sound level meters, noise-activated warning signs to more advanced instrumentation to help safety professionals meet occupational compliance. For details on the full product range available click here.
For additional information or to book a FREE UK product demonstration, please contact us 01723 518011 email [email protected]
