CPA Bulletin

GUEST ARTICLE: 1 OPSS enforces a range of technical, environmental and product regulations, and we are the market surveillance authority responsible for enforcing The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (as amended). These regulations aim to control the noise produced by 57 types of outdoor equipment and to reduce the impact on environmental noise levels, especially in urban areas where they are more likely to disturb people. The regulations also aim to encourage manufacturers to work towards reducing the noise levels of outdoor machinery through using advances in technology to innovate and develop quieter products. The manufacturer is responsible for compliance but can appoint an authorised representative to act on their behalf. We are keen to hear from industry about any concerns regarding compliance with this legislation. This can help us to understand the market better and focus our efforts where there is greatest need. Construction sites frequently use machinery that is inherently noisy and many of the 57 types of equipment within the regulations are used in the construction industry, including: Aerial access platforms with combustion engines; Compaction; Concrete or mortar mixers; Conveying and spraying machines for concrete and mortar; Dozers (<500 kW); Dumpers (<500 kW); Excavators, hydraulic or rope-operated (<500 kW); Excavator- loaders (<500 kW); Hydraulic hammers; Mobile cranes; Tower cranes (a full list of equipment can be found in the regulations). The 57 types are split into two categories: • Equipment subject to noise limits and noise marking For equipment subject to noise limits and noise marking, the quality control system of the manufacturer or the tests performed need approval from a notified body • Equipment subject to noise marking only Equipment subject to noise marking only can be self-certified by the manufacturer without the involvement of a notified body. Equipment in scope of the regulations must have: • A standard label indicating its guaranteed sound power level • A technical file showing this has been measured correctly • A Declaration of Conformity (for equipment placed on the market or put into service in the UK, a Declaration of Conformity must be emailed to OPSS at noisedeclarations@beis.gov.uk ) Products also need to display the CE label, although in practice the CE label is likely to already be required under other legislation also applicable to the equipment. For information regarding conformity marking post Brexit see www.gov.uk/ guidance/prepare-to-use-the-ukca-mark- after-brexit Further information and guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/noise . This will be kept updated to reflect what the requirements are post Brexit. Guidance in the event of a ‘no deal’ Brexit can be found in Schedule 8 of the document at www.gov.uk/government/publications/ uk-product-safety-and-metrology- guidance-in-a-no-deal-scenario If you have any questions regarding the regulations, an enquiry form can be completed at www.rohs.bis.gov.uk/ enquiry and a member of the Outdoor Noise team will assist. Further information about OPSS can be found at www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/office-for-product-safety- and-standards Guest Article Outdoor Noise by Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) The Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) was established in January 2018 and is part of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Our mission is to be a trusted product regulator for the UK. This means protecting people and places, enabling business to thrive and empowering consumers to make good choices. We will be a leader of good regulatory practice and a champion of local regulation. 22 CPA Bulletin > August 2019 www.cpa.uk.net