H&S - Noise Levels in a Van

Acc72

My mate drives a works van which is very noisy when he drives, particularly on a motorway.

I believe that because he is tall the van was modified by taking out the bulkhead (?) plus some other adjustments.

Although this has accommodated his height, it has left a big problem with noise.

He has raised this issue at work (very large national company), but is getting nowhere.

Does anybody know where we could find the acceptable Db noise levels and also how this can be tested - he hopes to go to his employer with this "evidence" and say "the law states that the maximum is (say) 100 Db but my vans noise levels are Db 120".

Any help would be appreciated.

custardy

What type of van?
What noise are we talking?
Engine,gearbag,road noise or what

Acc72

custardy wrote: »

What type of van?
What noise are we talking?
Engine,gearbag,road noise or what

It is a small van.

Smaller than a transit - like an estate car with no back seat or rear windows (I hope that this makes sense).

He is assuming that when they made a few adjustments to accommodate his height that they took out some sound-proofing elements.

He also said that it is really noisy when driving on a motorway.

He is not a delivery driver, but his job involves driving to different sites and he spends at least 3 or 4 hours a day driving.

custardy

Acc72 wrote: »

It is a small van.

Smaller than a transit - like an estate car with no back seat or rear windows (I hope that this makes sense).

He is assuming that when they made a few adjustments to accommodate his height that they took out some sound-proofing elements.

He also said that it is really noisy when driving on a motorway.

He is not a delivery driver, but his job involves driving to different sites and he spends at least 3 or 4 hours a day driving.

Well if its a car derived van,then the noise levels shouldn't be that high TBH.

Sick_Boy

"The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is now 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is now 80 decibels. There is also an exposure limit value of 87 decibels, taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed."

http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/

Your mate can buy a decibel meter on eBay and check a noise level in the van.
Hint:van sound proofing or he need to drive 40 mph on the motorway (employer will get the message)

BobQ

If its a large firm they will probably have an OH service. Try asking his boss to refer him to OH, say he is concerned that his hearing is being affected by the noise.

skivenov

By the book answer: Even if it's below the dB threshold, if it's causing discomfort then it should be addressed, if for no other reason than it could cause noise fatigue. Obviously PPE isn't a sensible answer in this case.

Reality of most employers answer: Could he sort it himself? Chuck a bit of old carpet or rubber mat on the floor and if the metal sides and roof are exposed, stick some flashing tape on the inside works well in my experience. I did this in my works Berlingo a fair few years back, the cost to myself was minimal, and when I told the boss, they weren't bothered.

dickydonkin

skivenov wrote: »

Reality of most employers answer: Could he sort it himself? Chuck a bit of old carpet or rubber mat on the floor and if the metal sides and roof are exposed, stick some flashing tape on the inside works well in my experience.

.........Or turn the radio up to drown out the noise from the van!.............I wonder if he does!

Retrogamer

The solution they will probably give him and any passengers will be earplugs or similar.