15 replies to this topic

[dfree]

Can anyone tell me please what the maximum db level that is allowed for personal attack alarms. I don't know what standard this would come under but am just trying to find out the db limit. Thanks

[arfur mo]

Pardon?



112 db @ 1 metre i think, just springs to mind, don't quote me though.

i'd ring a manufacturer like Gardtec for the full national SP, but may also be affected by local by-laws where installed..

Arfur

[jameswilson]

Doubt its that low.

Do you mean the self contained battery ones or a system with buttons?

[arfur mo]

jameswilson, on 04 October 2010 - 01:29 PM, said:

Doubt its that low.

Do you mean the self contained battery ones or a system with buttons?

Some of the sirens are I think rated at 110 db to be legally safe, public halls common for 90 db as refference for pa kit.

I fitted one lower rated siren to a blockboard facia in an entrance recess , old bond street. when tested it was simply eye watering, so location can also seriously impact on the sound pressures.

Arfur

Edited by arfur mo, 04 October 2010 - 01:41 PM.

[MrHappy]

states product is 140db ?

http://www.personala...115x0#1115X1123

I doubt there is legal max ?

[arfur mo]

MrHappy, on 04 October 2010 - 03:14 PM, said:

states product is 140db ?

http://www.personala...115x0#1115X1123

I doubt there is legal max ?

i'd be wary of that claim, i.e. those 12 volt tyre pumps which claim 250psi, lucky to get 15 in my experience

Arfur

[arfur mo]

risco new luminar\ siren is quoted at 114db

imho if there is no statut in force, then it comes down more to personal liability.

say youi got 140db @ 100 feet, then is go's off in a court yard and for some reason don't stop, you might find yourself being sued for 'enviormental and wanton assault of the hearing senses' whatever,

if a box of fairy cakes can win 20k then darn sure some ambulance chaser will be on to it to make dosh!.

Arfur

[hpotter]

we use klaxon prem rated 118dB @1m.

the 1 metre bit is important. can remember days when some manufacturers would put @ 3m, to pull the wool.

as for hand held, dunno. 140dB hand held is meaningless. dB is a ratio to a reference level. 50131 pt 4 gives very specific details of mounting bellboxes in order to measure acurately against that reference.

As for bellboxes 3dB increase approx = double sound at same distance though as above, its all relative.

[jameswilson]

Master blasters are 128

[hpotter]

jameswilson, on 04 October 2010 - 04:11 PM, said:

Master blasters are 128

@1metre +/- 3dB

[dfree]

jameswilson, on 04 October 2010 - 01:29 PM, said:

Doubt its that low.

Do you mean the self contained battery ones or a system with buttons?

Thanks for all your input guys. I meant hand held personal attack alarms, you know the type with a pull pin. Some products are stating a 140db rating so I wanted to find out if there was any legal maximum stated anywhere for such a device. Also I thought they were tested at 30cm not 1 Meter. Maybe the big fire alarms are tested at 1 Meter but not sure about these small devices.

Edited by dfree, 04 October 2010 - 04:42 PM.

[hpotter]

afaik there is no british std for these things so would be difficult to enforce a min or max.

wonder if any personal injury claims been made against a user?

[dfree]

hpotter, on 04 October 2010 - 04:51 PM, said:

afaik there is no british std for these things so would be difficult to enforce a min or max.

wonder if any personal injury claims been made against a user?

Thanks HP, I thought there might have been something in BS EN 50131-1:1997, I found this during my research and it seemed to indicate that there might be something in there relating to Personal Attack Alarms. I don't have a copy of this and can't seem to find referance to it's contents. You can buy the standard but if there's nothing in it and all I need is a number it seems like a big waste of money.

[hpotter]

dfree, on 04 October 2010 - 05:17 PM, said:

Thanks HP, I thought there might have been something in BS EN 50131-1:1997, I found this during my research and it seemed to indicate that there might be something in there relating to Personal Attack Alarms. I don't have a copy of this and can't seem to find referance to it's contents. You can buy the standard but if there's nothing in it and all I need is a number it seems like a big waste of money.

there is nothing in 50131 (2006) nor pd6662 (uk version) with regard to hand held with sounder built in.

[dfree]

hpotter, on 04 October 2010 - 05:32 PM, said:

there is nothing in 50131 (2006) nor pd6662 (uk version) with regard to hand held with sounder built in.

Thanks a lots for all your help. I'll just proceed as there is no legal spec on this. Thanks again.

[hpotter]

dfree, on 04 October 2010 - 05:37 PM, said:

I'll just proceed as there is no legal spec on this.

Didnt say there wasnt, just I dont know of any british standard (keeps peddling backwards lol...)

cant see how to enforce anything unless there is a reg/law to adhere to. how do they get on with those ear implants connected to mp3 players? user responsibilty i guess, but then a user dont aim them at someone else.

as i posted, wonder if there has ever been a personal injury claim?