DEKRA is now also a Notified Body under Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/42/EC for noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors. DEKRA has already been active in the area of noise measurement in accordance with the Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC for many years, and of electric tools in particular, and is now further expanding its range of services.
The role of acoustics is becoming increasingly important in connection with putting machinery and equipment into circulation. The crucial objective is to minimize noise and vibrations and avoid them as far as possible for the benefit of the user and the environment. This is why special monitoring and sonic inspections are required for certain pieces of machinery. The requirements of the European Union are defined in Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Outdoor Noise Directive 2000/14/EC.
The Machinery Directive governs the level of noise to which the user is exposed. Noise produced by machinery and equipment that pollutes the environment outdoors is governed in the Outdoor Noise Directive (OND). There are two requirements to be distinguished for outdoors: Certain equipment is subject to labeling requirements only, for example hedge trimmers and leaf blowers. For equipment such as compressors and powerful lawn mowers, for example, the manufacturer or distributor must call in a Notified Body such as DEKRA.
DEKRA Testing & Certification operates product testing laboratories that are equipped with all the facilities for testing electric tools and equipment and can perform the necessary noise measurements for both requirements of the OND. DEKRA has its own accredited measuring station in accordance with Section 29b of the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG) for complex noise measurements of sound immissions (noise that reaches the nearest residential building, for example).
