Noise emission--a part of risk assessment with a view to machine safety

For specific machinery groups standards on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or European Committee for Standardization (CEN) levels describe safety aspects, technical data, or test methods. Problems with the implementation of noise aspects in safety standards are discussed. The reduction of emissions from machinery (noise, vibration, radiation, hazardous substances) has to date clearly been almost neglected, due, it seems, to the unsuitable approach of classical risk reduction. The concepts of the ISO/IEC Guide 51:1999, Standards No. EN 292, and the Directive of the European Parliament and the Council 98/37/EC (the so-called Machinery Directive) to reduce risks are compared and specific requirements to safety standards according to emission, especially of noise, are presented.