Noise and Vibration
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Managing Noise and Vibration at Work
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New EU Physical Agents Directives on Noise and Vibration were incorporated into UK law in July 2005. Explicit action levels for vibration will be introduced, while the action levels for noise will be drastically cut. In order to comply with these Directives, companies need to assess noise and vibration levels and provide necessary protection for their employees. They are also required to monitor and if necessary reduce noise and vibration risks.
Managing Noise and Vibration at Work introduces noise and both hand-arm and whole-body vibration by explaining what they are and how they can affect the body, drawing out the similarities and differences between the hazards. It provides clear explanations of the requirements of the EU Directives and explains how to fulfill them. Practical information on measurement, making noise and vibration assessments, and approaches to controlling risk help the reader to understand the issues of noise and vibration exposure in the workplace. The text is supported by information and diagrams of measuring equipment, advice on how to plan a survey, worked examples of necessary calculations, and charts and diagrams that can be used in place of the calculations. Suitable hearing and vibration protection is detailed. Case studies help to set the subject in context and highlight common errors and pitfalls.

The book fully covers the syllabuses of the Institute of Acoustics’ certificate courses in Workplace Noise Assessment and Management of Occupational Exposure to Hand-arm Vibration. It will also be of use to those studying for the Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control. For those studying for the NEBOSH Diploma in Health and Safety, this book satisfies modules 1E and 2E. As the Institute of Acoustics syllabuses are based on the Health and Safety Executive's guidelines, the book will also be a useful up-to-date reference for: risk managers; Health and Safety advisors and managers; occupational hygienists; environmental health officers; and HSE inspectors, especially in the Construction, Manufacturing, Agriculture and Forestry sectors.

Occupational Audiometry
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  • Fully covers the syllabus of BSA accredited courses in Industrial Audiometry
  • Simple but accurate instructions for testing hearing and for undertaking otoscopic examination
  • Includes a brief explanation of background science: anatomy, physiology, medical aspects, acoustics

The EU Physical Agents Directive on Noise, which will be implemented into UK law in February 2006, will reduce noise action levels drastically. Under the new regulations, many more industries, which have so far not been associated with high noise levels such as restaurants and call centres, will have to assess the noise levels in their businesses and monitor their employees’ hearing according to HSE guidelines.

This practical guide gives occupational health nurses everything they need to know about setting up and managing hearing conservation programmes, as well as how to carry out the audiometric tests. The text fully covers the syllabus of BSA accredited courses for the certificate of competence in Industrial Audiometry and includes practical examples, case studies, sample audiograms and questionnaires for setting up case histories. As the BSA syllabus is based on the HSE’s guidelines, the book will be a useful training manual and up-to-date reference for Health and Safety professionals, Occupational Health professionals, and HSE inspectors.

Dr Maryanne Maltby is an Audiological Scientist and Principal Lecturer on the Amplivox courses in Industrial Audiometry. She has previously taught Audiology and related subjects at Manchester University (Course Leader) and at Oxford Brookes University. She is a committee member of the Hearing Aid Council and a member of the British Society of Audiology. She also has wide consultancy experience in workplace training and advice on hearing conservation issues, fitting hearing protection, management of hearing and tinnitus problems at work.