| Document ID (ISN) | 103181 |
| CIS number |
04-200 |
| ISSN - Serial title |
0003-4878 - Annals of Occupational Hygiene |
| Year |
2002 |
| Convention or series no. |
|
| Author(s) |
Patel J.A., Broughton K. |
| Title |
Assessment of the noise exposure of call centre operators |
| Bibliographic information |
Nov. 2002, Vol.46, No.8, p.653-661. Illus. 10 ref. |
| Abstract |
One of the potential hazards of working in call centres is hearing damage from using headsets. In this project, the noise exposure of 150 call centre operators was evaluated in call centres which included financial services, retail shopping and telecommunications services in the United Kingdom. Results show that the daily noise exposure of these call centre operators is unlikely to exceed the 85dB(A) action level defined in the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (see CIS 90-21). A practical method of limiting exposure to unexpected loud noise from headsets is to ensure that the headsets incorporate acoustic shock protection meeting the requirements of Department of Trade and Industry specification 85/013. In the UK, this limit ensures that any noise above 118dB is not transmitted through the headset. Operators should also receive training on the correct use of the headset and the volume control facilities, and advice on cleaning and maintaining the headsets. |
| Descriptors (primary) |
noise level; telephone exchanges; call centres; telecommunications equipment |
| Descriptors (secondary) |
United Kingdom; legal aspects; selection of equipment; safety and health training; noise level measurement; comment on standard; exposure evaluation |
| Document type |
D - Periodical articles |
| Country / State or Province | United Kingdom |
| Subject(s) |
Commerce, services, offices
|
| Broad subject area(s) |
Physical hazards
|
| Browse category(ies) |
Noise
Communications industry
|
