Can Sander Noise Emission Declarations Be Used To Manage Workplace Noise Risk?

Machinery supplied within the European Economic Area must comply with the noise requirements of Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC so that it can be used without risk from noise. The key requirements are that machinery must be designed to reach the lowest noise level achievable and be supplied with noise emission data. The noise emission declarations provided in over 60 instruction manuals for orbital and random orbital sanders were assessed against the noise requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC. Although the majority of instructions reviewed were for sanders that had gained a presumption of conformity through application of harmonised standards, none included information that fully complied with the noise requirements of Directive 2006/42/EC.Noise test codes for sanders determine the sound power level, from which the emission sound pressure level is calculated. Over half the instruction manuals reviewed provided emission sound pressure levels that were between 9 and 14 dB lower than noise levels measured at the operator's ear during real use. Noise emission declarations provided in sander instruction manuals generally underestimate real use risk. Sander users therefore need additional information from manufacturers, so that noise emission declarations can be used to adequately estimate workplace noise exposure and thereby effectively manage risk.