Noise

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.

Find out more

• Noise at work
• Noise emission in the environment by equipment used outdoors Directive 2000/14/EC