A model noise declaration to satisfy the European Machinery and Outdoor Noise Directives

A model noise declaration for an amenity woodchipper has been produced to demonstrate compliance with European Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC. Harmonised noise test code BS EN 13525:2005+A2:2009 was used to gain presumption of conformity with the noise declaration requirements of the Machinery Directive. Withdrawn standards specified the Outdoor Noise Directive were used to gain conformity with sound power requirements.Testing to achieve meaningful and reliable noise emission values was fraught with difficulties. The emission sound pressure test produced noise higher than found during normal use of the machine and introduced safety dangers to the operator that do not usually exist. Peak sound pressures were higher than those found during normal use of the machine. The sound power tests were subject to greater uncertainty than those conducted according to current standards. Reliable sound pressure information useful to potential purchasers was gained from testing the machine during normal operation. Estimation of sound power from a measurement at the operator position is discussed.