Alerting Staff And Visitors About Noise Problems In Real Time

A large proportion of workers are exposed to noise loud enough, around 80dB(A) – 85dB(A), time weighted averaged, that they have to raise their voices to hold a conversation. Often described as the fifteenth most serious health problem, noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is not to be ignored.

Harmful noise levels at work and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) can be prevented if the right processes and measurement tools are available. In some work environments, simple solutions can be used very effectively to act as warning systems, to highlight potential problems.

The three main uses of PulsarSafeEar, the wall-mounted noise activated warning system are to: alert, educate and prevent. This is a simple tool that is used across a wide range of work settings around the world to inform staff and visitors in real-time about noise problems.

PulsarSafeEar is a basic warning system, yet sophisticated enough, to activate in response to certain decibel levels. To put it simply, this is a highly visual warning message or safety icon that illuminates and flashes on a master board/sign. This happens when a pre-set noise level is captured via its microphone located at the top of the sign (hidden from sight) and exceeds its limit (in decibels).

Thanks to a clearly identifiable alert symbol, staff and visitors alike can take immediate action to protect themselves from noise by reaching for hearing protection or by taking appropriate action to reduce the noise levels around them. The trigger level is set, usually, in accordance to the application or environment it is set up. An example of its potential use would be in a workshop, hospital reception, office, school (exam room or corridor), call centre, canteen or factory just to name a few.

PulsarSafeEar master board comes with a selection of key messages such as ‘Silence, Quiet Zone” that can be used in quiet environments, for example in a library or hospital. Another version, designed specifically to be used in pubs, bars and nightclubs, displays "Warning! High level of noise!" An alternative "Hearing Protection Required" can be used in an industrial environment such as for example a garage or corridor prior to entering a production area.

There is more than meets the eye to this warning system. It can be extended to cover an area of up to 30 meters – ideal for large industrial premises or corridors leading to an exam room - by linking the master board to a series of ‘slave’ boards. Finally, there is the option to purchase a data logger and USB software to record noise levels over long periods of time, say over an entire shift, and produce a graph of the recording. All noise measurement data collected can be printed, exported and annotated for future reference. This is to keep as part of a health and safety strategy.

PulsarSafeEar: summary of benefits
• Quick & simple to install
• Lights up and flashes a visual alert when a pre-set noise level is exceeded
• Trigger level from 40dB(A) to 114dB(A)
• Ideal for use in both noisy and quiet environments
• Adjustable, high intensity white LED technology for high visual impact
• 4 standard designs to cover all applications
• Multi language variants available
• Weight 0.6kg (1.3lbs)

If you are looking to control noise levels in your workplace and ways to warn employees and visitors of potential harmful levels, look no further than the PulsarSafeEar wall-mounted noise activated warning system. All versions of this system are now available to purchase in the UK from Pulsar Instruments.