Schedule 2 Testing procedures

(Clause 54)

Part 1 Motor vehicle horns and intruder alarms

1   Definitions

In this Part:

alarm means a motor vehicle intruder alarm.

horn means a motor vehicle horn.

test site means the site at which the noise level of a horn or an alarm is measured, or the noise emission characteristics of an alarm is recorded.

2   Determination of noise level

(1)  The person making the measurements of the noise level of a horn or an alarm is to make as many noise level measurements as are reasonably appropriate.

(2)  The noise level of a horn or an alarm is the greatest noise level reading obtained from the noise level measurements made on the horn or alarm. If that reading is not a whole number of decibels, it must be rounded down to the next lower whole number of decibels.

3   Instruments for recording noise

(1)  A tape recorder and associated leads may be used in conjunction with the sound level meter to record the noise from an alarm.

(2)  For tape recording purposes, the sound level meter is to be set to “linear” and appropriate recording level adjustments made together with the recording of a field calibration tone.

4   Determination of character of noise emitted

The frequency characteristics and the repeat rate of emitted sound may be determined by:

(a)  laboratory analysis of a tape recording of noise emitted by an alarm under test, or

(b)  readings from a class 1 sound level meter capable of measuring sound level variations over time.

5   Operation of horn or alarm

A horn or an alarm under test:

(a)  must, as far as practicable, be directed towards the microphone, and

(b)  must be operated by means of a power supply that complies, as far as practicable, with the power supply by means of which the manufacturer of the horn or alarm recommends it to be operated, and

(c)  must be operated:

(i)  in the case of a horn, for periods of not less than 5 seconds each in duration, and

(ii)  in the case of an alarm, for periods of not less than 15 seconds each in duration.

6   Horns and alarms that are not attached to a motor vehicle

(1)  This clause applies to a horn or alarm that is not attached to a motor vehicle.

(2)  The test site:

(a)  must consist of an area having its perimeter at least 3 metres from any part of the horn or alarm under test, and

(b)  must be in the open air, and

(c)  must be covered with grass no more than 80 millimetres high or with concrete, asphalt or any other approved material.

(3)  While the noise level of the horn or alarm is measured, or the noise emission characteristics of the alarm is recorded:

(a)  the following people only may be within the test site:

(i)  the person operating the horn or alarm,

(ii)  the person making the measurements or recordings,

(iii)  one observer, standing in a position specified by that person, and

(b)  the following articles only may be within the test site:

(i)  the horn or alarm,

(ii)  a stand for the horn or alarm,

(iii)  any instruments and other objects used in connection with the measurement of the noise level or the recording of the noise,

(iv)  any other article that, in the opinion of the person making the measurements or recordings, will not substantially affect the measurements or recordings.

(4)  That part of the horn or alarm under test that emits noise:

(a)  must be mounted firmly on a stand, placed in the centre of the test site, that has a mass of not less than 30 kilograms, or 10 times the mass of the horn or alarm, whichever is the greater, and

(b)  must, as far as practicable, be attached to the stand by means of the fittings recommended by the manufacturer, and

(c)  must be placed at a height of not less than 1.2 metres above the ground, and

(d)  must be placed, as far as practicable, vertically beneath the microphone, and

(e)  must be directed towards that microphone.

(5)  The microphone must be placed in such position as the person making the measurements or recordings considers appropriate, but must not be placed:

(a)  at a height of less than 3.2 metres above the ground, or

(b)  at a distance of less than 2 metres from the horn or alarm under test.

(6)  The microphone must face towards and have its nominal axis of maximum sensitivity (as indicated by the manufacturer of the microphone) directed towards the part of the horn or alarm under test that emits noise.

7   Motor vehicle horns and intruder alarms that are attached to a motor vehicle

(1)  This clause applies to a horn or alarm that is attached to a motor vehicle.

(2)  The test site:

(a)  must be in the open air, or

(b)  must be beneath:

(i)  an open-sided canopy, or

(ii)  a canopy supported by one wall (where that wall does not extend for more than 25% of the perimeter of the canopy),

      if no part of the canopy or its supports is within 3 metres of the horn or alarm under test or of the microphone used in conjunction with the measurement.

(3)  While the noise level of the horn or alarm is measured, or the noise emission characteristics of the alarm is recorded:

(a)  the following people only may be within the test site:

(i)  the person operating the horn or alarm,

(ii)  the person making the measurements or recordings,

(iii)  one observer, standing in a position specified by that person, and

(b)  the following articles only may be within the test site:

(i)  the motor vehicle to which the horn or alarm under test is attached,

(ii)  the contents of the motor vehicle,

(iii)  any instruments and other objects used in connection with the measurement of the noise level or the recording of the noise,

(iv)  any other article that, in the opinion of the person making the measurements or recordings, will not substantially affect the measurements or recordings.

(4)  The microphone must be placed in such position as the person making the measurements or recordings considers appropriate, but must not be placed:

(a)  at a distance of less than 1.2 metres from the front of the vehicle, or

(b)  at a distance of less than 200 millimetres from the ground.

(5)  The microphone must face towards, and have its nominal axis of maximum sensitivity (as indicated by the manufacturer of the microphone) directed towards the part of the horn or alarm under test that emits noise.

Part 2 Grass-cutting machines

8   Definition

In this Part:

test site means the site at which the noise level of a grass-cutting machine is measured.

9   Site requirements

(1)  The test site:

(a)  must have its perimeter at least 30 metres from any part of the grass-cutting machine under test, and

(b)  must be in the open air, and

(c)  must be covered with grass not more than 80 millimetres high.

(2)  While the noise level of a grass-cutting machine is being measured:

(a)  the following people only may be within the test site:

(i)  the person operating the grass-cutting machine,

(ii)  the person making the measurements,

(iii)  one observer, standing in a position specified by that person, and

(b)  the following articles only may be within the test site:

(i)  the grass-cutting machine,

(ii)  a test pad (where applicable),

(iii)  the instrumentation and other objects necessary for the measurement of the noise level of the grass-cutting machine,

(iv)  any other article that, in the opinion of the person making the measurements, will not substantially affect the measurements.

(3)  The measurements must be made at each of the positions marked A, B, C and D in Figure 1 at the end of this Schedule.

10   Position of microphone

(1)  The microphone:

(a)  must be placed at a height of 1.5 metres (± 0.1 metres) above the ground, and

(b)  must be placed at a distance of 7.5 metres (± 0.2 metres) from the centre of the test site, and

(c)  must face towards and have its nominal axis of maximum sensitivity (as indicated by the manufacturer of the microphone) directed towards the centre of the test site.

(2)  Figure 2 at the end of this Schedule shows the position of the microphone relative to the noise source.

11   Condition of grass-cutting machine

(1)  A lawn mower or ride-on mower must be fitted with an empty grass-catcher if such a catcher is normally supplied with the mower.

(2)  Where a catcher is not normally supplied, or is supplied as an optional accessory, the mower must be fitted with a safety discharge chute if such a chute is supplied.

(3)  Where blades having varying degrees of grass lift are available, those providing the greatest amount of lift must be fitted.

(4)  A reel lawnmower must have the cutting cylinder and stationary blade correctly sharpened and set. For that purpose, the ability of the lawnmower to cut kraft paper weighing not less than 80 grams per square metre over the full cutting width, and at any position, of the cylinder when the cylinder is turned by hand is an acceptable indication that the cylinder and blade are correctly sharpened and set.

(5)  The grass-cutting machine under test must not have been previously run for more than 2 hours at the manufacturer’s recommended operating speed.

(6)  Immediately before each series of measurements the correctly adjusted grass-cutting machine must be operated for a period of not less than 5 minutes at its maximum governed or ungoverned speed.

(7)  The height adjustment position of a rotary mower must be determined by the person making the measurements as being the position approximately midway between the maximum and minimum adjustable height positions (where fitted).

(8)  For edge-cutters, the lower edge cutting tip of the blade or cord must be more than 30 millimetres but not more than 200 millimetres above the test pad.

(9)  A lawn mower or ride-on mower, and in particular the underside of the base plate and the cutting disc and blades assembly of a rotary mower, must be generally clean and free of all grass and dirt.

(10)  Where applicable, the engine oil level must be within the manufacturer’s allowable tolerances.

(11)  Blades of reel mowers must be lubricated before and during operation.

(12)  For string-trimmers and brush-cutters, the lower edge of the cutting system must be not more than 200 millimetres above the test site.

(13)  When a harness is fitted, the attachment point, when the machine is balanced for the operator, must be not more than 785 millimetres and not less than 765 millimetres above the test site.

(14)  When a string-trimmer or brush-cutter is to be tested, only a nylon line head must be used.

12   Engine operating conditions

(1)  The grass-cutting machine must be stationary during testing.

(2)  Where the grass-cutting machine is propelled by the engine, the controls must be set so that the propulsion drive is activated and the driving wheels are raised above the test pad and, in all instances, the cutting mechanism is operating.

(3)  Where the grass-cutting machine is a ride-on mower, rollers may be placed under the driving wheels and the operator seated to operate the controls.

(4)  If a speed control governor (and throttle control) is fitted to the grass-cutting machine (not being a string-trimmer or brush-cutter), the engine must be operated with the speed control set on the maximum throttle setting or, if a governor is not fitted, the engine must be operated at the maximum speed attainable.

(5)  Grass-cutting machines powered by electric motors must be operated at the maximum pre-set motor speed set by the manufacturer.

(6)  For string-trimmers and brush-cutters, the engine speed that corresponds to the manufacturer’s stated maximum power rating must be the speed (± 100 revolutions per minute) at which the noise level measurements are taken.

13   Test pad

The test pad (where applicable) must conform:

(a)  to the design specified in the document entitled Technical Basis for the Regulation of Noise Labelling of New Grass-Cutting Machines published in 1988 by the Australian Environment Council, as in force on 1 March 2008, or

Note. A copy of Technical Basis for the Regulation of Noise Labelling of New Grass-Cutting Machines is available for inspection at the offices of the EPA.

(b)  to such other design as may be approved.

14   Test procedure

(1)  For a rotary mower, cylinder mower or edge-cutter, the test pad must be positioned generally at the centre of the test site, and the rotary mower, cylinder mower or edge-cutter must be located on the test pad so that:

(a)  for a rotary mower, the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the cutting blades coincides generally with the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the test pad, and

(b)  for a cylinder mower, the mid-point of the rectangular area formed by projecting the outer planes of the front and rear rollers or wheels coincides generally with the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the test pad, and

(c)  for an edge-cutter, the cutting mechanism must be placed so that it generally coincides with the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the test pad.

(2)  For a ride-on mower, string-trimmer or brush-cutter, the ride-on mower, string-trimmer or brush-cutter must be located so that:

(a)  where a ride-on mower is driven through the front wheels, the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the machine coincides generally with the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the test site, or

(b)  where a ride-on mower is driven otherwise than through the front wheels, the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the cutting disk coincides generally with the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the test site, or

(c)  for a string-trimmer or brush-cutter, the operator is positioned approximately on the vertical axis passing through the geometric centre of the test site as shown in Figure 2 at the end of this Schedule.

15   Determination of noise level

(1)  The person making the measurements is to make as many noise level measurements of the grass-cutting machine as are reasonably appropriate.

(2)  The maximum noise level (LpA) of a grass-cutting machine is to be the average of the greatest noise level readings obtained at the positions A, B, C and D (shown in Figure 1 at the end of this Schedule), as calculated in accordance with this clause, taken, if the average reading is not a whole number of decibels, to the next lower whole number of decibels.

(3)  An A-weighted sound pressure level must be calculated from the measured values of the A-weighted sound pressure levels (LpAi) from the following equation:

Where:

LpA = A-weighted sound pressure level.

LpAi = A-weighted sound pressure level at the i’th measured position, in decibels.

N = Total number of measured points.

(4)  If the range of values of LpAi does not exceed 5 dB(A), the A-weighted sound pressure level is to be the arithmetical mean of those values.

Part 3 Chainsaws

16   Site requirements

(1)  The site at which the noise level of a chainsaw is measured:

(a)  must have its perimeter at least 30 metres from any part of the chainsaw under test, and

(b)  must be in the open air, and

(c)  must be covered with grass not more than 80 millimetres high or with concrete, asphalt or any other approved material or with a mixture of those coverings.

(2)  While the noise level of a chainsaw is being measured, the following people only may be within the test site:

(a)  the person operating the chainsaw,

(b)  the person making the measurements,

(c)  one observer, standing in the position specified by that person.

(3)  While the noise level of the chainsaw is being measured, the following articles only may be within the test site:

(a)  the chainsaw,

(b)  the timber to be cut,

(c)  the timber stands,

(d)  the instrumentation and other objects necessary for the measurement of the noise level of the chainsaw,

(e)  any other article that, in the opinion of the person making the measurements, will not substantially affect the measurements.

(4)  The measurements must be made at each of the positions marked A, B, C and D in Figure 3 at the end of this Schedule.

17   Position of microphone

(1)  The microphone used to measure the noise level of a chainsaw:

(a)  must be placed at a height of 1.5 metres (± 0.1 metres) above the ground, and

(b)  must be placed at a distance of 7.5 metres (± 0.2 metres) from the nearest point of the motor of the chainsaw under test to the microphone, and

(c)  must face towards the motor of the chainsaw, and

(d)  must have its nominal axis of maximum sensitivity (as indicated by the manufacturer of the microphone) directed towards the motor of the chainsaw.

(2)  Figure 4 at the end of this Schedule shows the position of the microphone relative to the noise source.

18   Operation of chainsaw during measurement

(1)  Noise measurements must be taken while the chainsaw is cutting a log.

(2)  The noise level measurement must be taken at the engine speed that corresponds to the manufacturer’s stated maximum power rating.

(3)  Immediately before the noise level of a chainsaw is measured, the motor of the chainsaw must be operated for not less than 5 minutes.

(4)  The position of the log and chainsaw during cutting must be as shown in Figure 4 at the end of this Schedule.

(5)  When the noise level of a chainsaw is being measured:

(a)  the chainsaw must be held in a horizontal position by the operator and operated in a manner appropriate to normal cross-cutting, and

(b)  the guide bar must be fed into the log and the load applied so that the engine speed is the same as, or within 300 revolutions per minute of, the speed at which maximum power is developed according to the manufacturer’s specification, and

(c)  the slices of timber cut must not be more than 25 millimetres thick, and

(d)  full throttle must be maintained during the cutting operation.

19   Determination of noise level

(1)  The person making the measurements is to make as many noise level measurements of the chainsaw as are reasonably appropriate.

(2)  The maximum noise level (LpA) of a chainsaw is to be the average of the greatest noise level readings obtained from the positions A, B, C and D (shown in Figure 3 at the end of this Schedule), as calculated in accordance with this clause. If the average reading is not a whole number of decibels, it must be rounded down to the next lower whole number of decibels.

(3)  An A-weighted sound pressure level must be calculated from the measured values of the A-weighted sound pressure levels (LpAi) from the following equation:

Where:

LpA = A-weighted sound pressure level.

LpAi = A-weighted sound pressure level at the i’th measured position, in decibels.

N = Total number of measured points.

(4)  If the range of values of LpAi does not exceed 5 dB(A), the A-weighted sound pressure level is to be the arithmetical mean of those values.

Part 4 Mobile garbage compactors

20   Site requirements

(1)  The test site at which the noise level of a mobile garage compactor is measured must:

(a)  be in the open air, and

(b)  be free from obstructions, and

(c)  have a perimeter at least 20 metres from the mobile garbage compactor under test, and

(d)  be covered with concrete, asphalt or other approved material, or a mixture of those coverings.

(2)  While the noise level of a mobile garbage compactor is being measured, the following people only may be within the test site:

(a)  the driver or operator of the compactor,

(b)  the person making the measurements,

(c)  one observer, standing in a position specified by that person.

(3)  While the noise level measurements are being made, only the following articles may be within the test site:

(a)  the mobile garbage compactor,

(b)  the instruments necessary for the measurement of noise emitted by the compactor,

(c)  any other article that, in the opinion of the person making the measurements, will not substantially affect the measurements.

(4)  Noise measurements must not be made when wind speed exceeds 5 metres per second.

21   Position of mobile garbage compactor

The mobile garbage compactor must be positioned in the approximate centre of the test site.

22   Position of microphone

The microphone:

(a)  must be placed at a height of 1.5 metres (± 0.1 metres) above the ground, and

(b)  must (in any sequence) be placed at a distance of 15 metres (± 0.2 metres) from the approximate geometric centre of the vehicle at each of the 4 points on the principal axes of the vehicle, and

(c)  must have its nominal axis of maximum sensitivity (as indicated by the manufacturer of the microphone) directed towards the mobile garbage compactor under test.

23   Operation of mobile garbage compactor

(1)  The controls of the mobile garbage compactor being tested must be operated in such manner as to cause the compactor to operate over full compaction cycles.

(2)  The bin lifters must not be operated during the tests unless this is necessary for operation of the compactor.

(3)  The tests must be conducted without any garbage present in the compactor body or loading chute.

(4)  The compactor must be operated over as many cycles as the person making the measurements considers necessary to obtain representative results.

(5)  The compactor must be operated over full compaction cycles for a minimum period of 15 minutes prior to conducting the noise tests.

(6)  Relief valves must be set to operate at the pressures or flows, or pressures and flows, specified by the manufacturer of the compactor.

24   Engine rotation speed

(1)  The object of this clause is to provide the rotation speed at which the engine driving the hydraulic pump must be operated.

(2)  For a mobile garbage compactor with a hydraulic pump the rotation speed of which cannot be increased by operation of the accelerator pedal while the compactor is engaged, the engine speed during the test must be set to the governed engine speed as specified by the manufacturer of the compactor unit.

(3)  If the speed of the hydraulic pump can be altered by use of the accelerator pedal while the compactor is engaged, the speed of the engine driving the hydraulic pump must be:

(a)  the greater of the engine speed that is automatically obtained when the compactor is engaged and an engine speed that provides between 80% and 85% of the speed of the pump at which the compactor operation is disengaged or its performance is reduced or limited:

(i)  by the use of a dump circuit, a pump unloader system or a clutch on the drive to the pump, or

(ii)  by other appropriate means built into the compactor unit to limit the flow of hydraulic fluid or to limit the engine rotation speed, or

(b)  a rotation speed between 95% and 100% of the maximum speed of the engine where the compactor has no facility for limiting the flow or pressure, or flow and pressure, applied to the compaction system, or

(c)  where a variable displacement pump is used, the design speed for normal operation of the compaction system as stated by the compactor manufacturer.

25   Instruments to test rotation speed

A suitable engine or pump rotation speed measurement device capable of measuring the maximum rotation speed to within (±) 50 revolutions per minute of the actual speed of the engine or hydraulic pump during a compaction cycle must be used to measure the engine or pump rotation speed during the test.

26   Determination of mean noise level

(1)  The person making the measurements is to make as many noise level measurements of the mobile garbage compactor as are reasonably appropriate.

(2)  The compactor must be operated with the engine powering the hydraulic pump operating at a speed determined in accordance with this Schedule and the maximum sound pressure level must be observed and recorded with an accuracy to the first decimal place at each of the 4 microphone positions on the principal axes of the vehicle.

(3)  The mean noise level of a mobile garbage compactor is the logarithmic average of the maximum noise level readings at those 4 positions but, if the range of levels is 5 dB(A) or less, the arithmetic average may be used instead.

(4)  If the average so determined is not a whole number of decibels, it must be rounded down to the next lower whole number of decibels.

Figure 1 Typical test site layout and microphone positions: grass-cutting machines (plan view)

Figure 2 Typical test site layout and microphone positions: grass-cutting machines (side view)

Figure 3 Typical test site layout and microphone positions: chainsaws (plan view)

Figure 4 Typical test site layout and microphone positions: chainsaws (side view)