The Lawnmowers (Harmonization of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1992

• Citation: S.I. 1992/168
• Sections: 91

Section 1 Citation, commencement and revocation

(1) These Regulations may be cited as the Lawnmowers (Harmonization of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1992 and shall come into force on 1st March 1992.

(2) The Lawnmowers (Harmonization of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations 1986 the Lawnmowers (Harmonization of Noise Emission Standards) (Amendment) Regulations 1987 and the Lawnmowers (Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1990 are hereby revoked provided that those Regulations shall continue to apply to lawnmowers to which these Regulations do not apply by virtue of regulation 2(1) and (2).

Section 2 Application of Regulations

(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this regulation, these Regulations do not apply to any lawnmower which was supplied for the first time in the Community before 1st March 1992.

(2) As from 1st March 1994 these Regulations do not apply to any lawnmower which the supplier proves was supplied for the first time in the Community before 1st March 1992.

(3) These Regulations do not apply to any lawnmower which the supplier reasonably believes will not be used in the United Kingdom or any other member State.

Section 3 Interpretation

(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires, the following expressions shall have the following meanings—

“certificate of conformity” means a certificate, in the form set out for the purposes of illustration in Schedule 1, based on a laboratory test report on a lawnmower of the same type as the particular lawnmower to which the certificate relates, issued by the manufacturer, or importer domiciled in the Community, in which the manufacturer, or importer domiciled in the Community, certifies—

the maximum sound power level of that lawnmower guaranteed by the manufacturer, and that the maximum sound power level does not exceed the permissible sound power level for a lawnmower of that cutting width; and

in the case of a wide lawnmower, the maximum sound pressure level of that lawnmower guaranteed by the manufacturer, and that the maximum sound pressure level does not exceed the permissible sound pressure level;

“the Community” means the European Economic Community;

“the Directive” means Council Directive 84/538/ EEC on the approximation of the laws of the member States relating to the permissible sound power level of lawnmowers as amended by Commission Directive 87/252/EEC adapting it to technical progress and by Council Directive 88/180/EEC extending it to motorised cylinder mowers and by Council Directive 88/181/EEC extending it, in the case of wide lawnmowers, to their permissible sound pressure level and amending the requirements for narrow lawnmowers ;

“EEC sound power level mark” means a mark in the form set out in Schedule 2A which indicates the maximum sound power level of a lawnmower expressed in dB(A)/pW as guaranteed by the manufacturer and as certified in the certificate of conformity issued in respect of that lawnmower;

“EEC sound pressure level mark” means a mark in the form set out in Schedule 2B which indicates themaximum sound pressure level of a lawnmower expressed in dB(A)/20 μPa as guaranteed by the manufacturer and as certified in the certificate of conformity issued in respect of that lawnmower;

“laboratory test report” means a report issued in accordance with Schedule 3 by a listed laboratory on a lawnmower submitted to that body for testing or an equivalent report by a body charged by a member State other than the United Kingdom with functions corresponding to those of a listed laboratory;

“lawnmower” means any motorised equipment appropriate for the upkeep by cutting, by whatever method, of areas under grass used for recreational, decorative or similar purposes, but excluding—

agricultural and forestry equipment;

non-independent devices, such as drawn cylinders, with cutting devices actuated by the wheels or by an integrated drawing or carrier component;

multi-purpose devices the main motorized components of which have an installed power of over 20 kW ;

“narrow lawnmower” means an electrically powered lawnmower with a cutting width of less than 30cm;

“wide lawnmower” means a lawnmower with a cutting width exceeding 120cm and having a seat attached in a suitable way to a structural component of the lawnmower;

“listed laboratory” means a body approved by the Secretary of State for the purposes of regulation 5;

“permissible sound power level” means the sound power level specified in the second column of the Table in Schedule 4 in respect of a lawnmower with the cutting width specified in the first column of that Table;

“permissible sound pressure level” means the sound pressure level of airborne noise of 90 dB(A) , in respect of a wide lawnmower;

“sound power level” means the sound power level as measured in accordance with Schedule3;

“sound pressure level” means the sound pressure level when measured at the operator’s position in accordance with Schedule 3; and

“supply” is to be read in accordance with Section 46 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 , and includes offering or agreeing to supply, and exposing or possessing for supply, and “supplied” and “supplier” have the corresponding meanings.

(2) Any reference in these Regulations to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation or Schedule so numbered in these Regulations.

Section 4 Prohibition on supply

(1) Subject to the exception in paragraph (2) of this regulation, no person shall supply any lawnmower to which these Regulations apply unless—

(a) the sound power level does not exceed the permissible sound power level for that lawnmower and, in the case of a wide lawnmower, the sound pressure level does not exceed the permissible sound pressure level;

(b) it is accompanied by a certificate of conformity (which may be reproduced on the directions for use or on the guarantee certificate accompanying that lawnmower); and

(c) prior to such supply, there has been placed on that lawnmower in aclearly visible and durable fashion either directly or on a plate (suchas a riveted or self adhesive plate)—

(i) a mark or marks which identify the manufacturer of the lawnmower and describe the type of lawnmower;

(ii) except in the case of a narrow lawnmower, an EEC sound power level mark; and

(iii) in the case of a wide lawnmower, an EEC sound pressure level mark.

(2) This regulation does not apply to the supply by any person of a lawnmower which has, prior to such supply, been taken into service in the Community.

Section 5 Listed laboratories

(1) A listed laboratory—

(a) may, on receipt of an application containing information and documents in accordance with Schedule 5, carry out in accordance with Schedule 3 the tests required by the applicant on a lawnmower submitted to it as representative of a specific type of lawnmower to measure the sound power level or, in the case of a wide lawnmower, the sound pressure level or both in respect of that lawnmower, and

(b) after payment of the prescribed fee, if so required, shall issue a test report in accordance with Schedule 3 in respect of the lawnmower submitted for testing.

(2) Any approval of a body as a listed laboratory by the Secretary of State for the purposes of paragraph (1) of this regulation, may be given for an unlimited period or a specified period and may be given subject to terms and conditions and the Secretary of State may withdraw any such approval if the body ceases to comply with any such term or condition.

Section 6 Prescribed fee

A listed laboratory may require a fee to be paid by the applicant in connection with the work done or to be done by it under regulation 5 (in regulation 5 described as the prescribed fee) and the fee in every case shall not exceed the sum of—

(a) the costs of the listed laboratory of and in connection with the work done or to be done by it under regulation 5; and

(b) an amount on account of profit which is reasonable in the circumstances having regard to—

(i) the character and the extent of the work done or to be done by the listed laboratory under regulation 5, and

(ii) the commercial rate normally charged on account of profit for that work or similar work.

Section 7 Conformity checks

(1) The Secretary of State may from time to time carry out checks on any lawnmower to which these Regulations apply and which is, for the time being, held in the United Kingdom by or on behalf of the manufacturer, or importer domiciled in the Community, or other supplier to ascertain whether it conforms with the requirements of regulation 4.

(2) In Northern Ireland the powers conferred by paragraph (1) of this regulation shall be exercisable by the Department of Economic Development in Northern Ireland.

Section 8 Offences

(1) Any person who without reasonable excuse contravenes or fails to comply with any of the provisions of regulation 4 shall be guilty of an offence and liable, on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding £1000.

(2) Where the commission by any person of an offence under paragraph (1) of this regulation is due to the act or default of some other person, that other person shall be guilty of the offence, and a person may be charged with and convicted of the offence by virtue of this regulation whether or not proceedings are taken against the first-named person.

Section 9 Offences by Corporations

(1) Where an offence under these Regulations committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body corporate or any person purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence.

(2) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, paragraph (1) of this regulation shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.

(3) In this regulation, references to a “body corporate” include references to a partnership in Scotland and, in relation to such a partnership, any reference to a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of a body corporate is a reference to a partner.

Section 1 OBJECT

The purpose of this method is to determine the noise emitted by all categories of lawnmowers. For the purposes of this method, lawnmowers are called sound sources.

This method defines the various acoustic criteria which may be adopted to characterize a sound source, and the means of determining these criteria.

The values obtained by this method constitute the basic data for checking that the noise emission of lawnmowers complies with requirements for noise limitation. Unless otherwise indicated, these values are inclusive of tolerances.

Section 1.1 Dimensions

The artificial flooring shall have a size of 360 × 360 cm.

Section 1.2 Materials

The artificial flooring is composed of a cover of absorptive material of which the absorption coefficients α, measured in accordance with ISO 354 first edition, 1985-02-01, are within the limits given in the following table:

Section 1 AIM

The aim of this method is to determine the noise emitted at the operator’s position(s) by all categories of lawnmowers with a cutting width exceeding 120 cm and having a seat attached in a suitable way to a structural component of the lawnmower.

It is not applicable for measurements to determine directly the level of an operator’s exposure at his post.

The values obtained by this method represent the data that make it possible to determine the equivalent continuous sound pressure level emitted by lawnmowers to the operator’s position(s). Save as otherwise indicated, these values include all tolerances.

Section 2.1 Type of noise

This method is applicable to any type of noise emitted by a sound source normally used in the open air.

Section 2.2 Size of sound source

This method is applicable to sound sources of all sizes.

Section 2.1 Type of noise

This method is applicable to all types of noise emitted by lawnmowers at the operator’s position(s).

Section 2.2 Type of lawnmowers

This method is applicable to all lawnmowers with one or more operator’s positions.

Section 3.1 Sound pressure level L p A

The sound pressure level L pA is obtained by applying the weighting A to the sound pressure level L p .

The sound pressure level L p , expressed in dB , of a noise is defined by:

where:

p is the effective sound pressure value measured at a particular point, expressed in Pa;

p 0 is the effective reference sound pressure, equal to 20 μPa.

The value L pA of the A-weighted sound pressure level, expressed in dB, is obtained by applying the weighting A to the measuring system.

Section 3.2 Measuring surface

The measuring surface of area S is a hypothetical surface surrounding the sound source and on which the measuring points are arranged (see 6.4).

Section 3.3 Surface sound pressure level L pAM

The surface sound pressure level L pAM is the root mean square of the sound pressures recorded on the measuring surface, calculated in accordance with the method set out in 8.4.

Section 3.4 Sound power level L WA is obtained by applying the weighting A to the sound power level L W .

The sound power level L W expressed in dB, of a sound source is defined by:

where:

W is the total sound power generated by the sound source, expressed in watts;

W 0 is the reference sound power, equal to 10 −12 W.

The value L WA of the A-weighted sound power level, expressed in dB, is obtained by applying the weighting A to the measuring system.

Section 3.5 Limit value of the sound power level L WA1

The limit value of the sound power level L WA , expressed in A-weighted dB, shall be termed L WA1 .

Section 3.6 Directivity index ( DI )

The directivity index (DI), expressed in dB, to be adopted in applying this method is defined by the formula:

where:

L pAmax is the highest of the sound pressure levels recorded at the measuring points (see 6.4.2), calculated in accordance with 8.1.1 and corrected in accordance with the general principles laid down in 8.6.1, 8.6.3 and 8.6.4,

L pAm is the surface sound pressure level determined in accordance with 8.4,

3 is a conventional additive term.

In determining the values L pAmax and L pAm only the measuring points prescribed need to be taken into account.

Section 3.7 Extraneous noise

Extraneous noise means the noise resulting from background noise and parasitic noise.

Section 3.7.1 Background noise

Background noise means any noise recorded at the measuring points which is not generated by the sound source.

Section 3.7.2 Parasitic noise

Parasitic noise means any noise at the measuring points which is generated by the sound source but not directly radiated by it.

Section 3.1 Sound pressure level LpA

See Section 3.1 in Part 1.

Section 3.2 Equivalent continuous sound pressure level L Aeq :(t 1 , t 2 )

The equivalent continuous sound pressure level L Aeq :(t 1 , t 2 ) is obtained by applying the A-weighting as defined in IEC publication 651, first edition, 1979 to the equivalent continuous sound pressure level L eq :(t 1 , t 2 ) defined below. This weighting is obtained inter alia by using the A-weighting filter in the measuring system.

The equivalent continuous sound pressure level for a limited period between intervals t 1 and t 2 , L eq :(t 1 , t 2 ), expressed in decibels, of a noise at a given point is defined by:

where:

p(t) is the instantaneous value of the sound pressure at this point, expressed in Pa;

p 0 is the reference sound pressure, equivalent to 20 μPa;

L p (t) is the sound pressure level at a given time at that point, expressed in dB;

t 1 and t 2 are the points indicating respectively the beginning and end of the reference period determining the L eq

t 1 − t 2 is the measurement interval.

Section 4.1 Acoustic criteria for the environment

The acoustic criterion for the environment of a lawnmower shall be expressed by the sound power level.

Section 4 CRITERION TO BE USED TO EXPRESS RESULTS

The acoustic criterion for the operator’s position(s) of lawnmowers is expressed by the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level L Aeq (t 1 , t 2 ).

Section 5.1 General

The instruments shall be designed to measure the A-weighted level of the root mean square of the sound pressure. The level of the root mean square value in time for a measurement point is obtained either by direct reading of the instrument, or by calculation in accordance with section 11.

Section 5.2 Measuring instruments

The following instruments may be used to satisfy the preceding requirement:

(a) a sound level meter which at least meets the requirements of IEC Publication 651, first edition, 1979 for the type of meters in Class 1. The meter must be used in the S response mode;

(b) an integrator effecting analog or digital integration of the squared signal over a given time interval.

Section 5.3 Microphone with cable

Use shall be made of a microphone with cable complying with IEC publication 651, first edition, 1979 and calibrated for free-field measurement.

Section 5.4 Weighting network

Use shall be made of an A-weighting network meeting the requirements of IEC publication 651, first edition, 1979.

Section 5.5.1 Inspection of the measuring apparatus

Before the tests, the acoustic properties of the entire apparatus (measuring instruments including microphone and cable) shall be checked by means of a calibrated sound source with an accuracy of at least 0.5 dB (e.g. a pistonphone); the apparatus shall be checked again immediately after each series of measurements.

Section 5.5.2 Inspection of the measuring apparatus

These on-the-spot checks shall be supplemented by more thorough calibrations to be carried out at least once a year in a specially equipped laboratory.

Section 5 MEASURING INSTRUMENTS

The specifications laid down in Section 5 of Annex I are to be used, with the extra requirement added to point 5.3 that the external diameter of the microphone must not exceed 13 mm.

Section 6.1.1 Purpose of the measurement

Lawnmowers designed to be equipped with a device for collecting the grass shall be tested under normal conditions of use with that device fitted.

Section 6.1.2 Purpose of the measurement

The cutting device shall be adjusted to a height of 3 cm. If for technical reasons this is not possible, the cutting device shall be adjusted as close as possible to a height of 3 cm. The grass in the test area shall be mown with this cutting device setting before any sound measurement is taken where tests are made under 6.3.3. below.

For the sound measurement, all grass shall be removed from the lawnmower and the grass collector shall be empty.

Section 6.1.3 Purpose of the measurement

The cutting devices of cylinder lawnmowers shall be adjusted with a cylinder/cutting edge gap specified by the manufacturer such that:

a standardized shell of paper of 80 g/m 2 weight (kraft paper ISO /R4046) is cut over at least 50% of the cutting width, or

the distance between the cylinder blades and the cutting edge is not more than 0.15 mm over the whole length of the cutting-width, or

the cutting mechanism shall be adjusted until the blades touch and then backed off until contact just ceases when the cylinder is rotating at maximum speed.

The option of making use of the test method laid down in the third indent is limited to electrically powered cylinder mowers with a cutting width of less than 50 cm.

Before and during the operation, the cutting device shall be lubricated with SAE 20/50 oil.

Section 6.2 Operation of the sound source during measurement

Before each sound measurement is taken, the lawnmower shall be warmed up in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

The sound power level of lawnmowers shall, in principle, be measured when the lawnmower is stationary without its operator being present and the cutting device and the motor are operating at maximum speed.

If the cutting device cannot be separated from the driving wheels of the lawnmower, the mower shall be tested either with the mower on supports or while moving and driven by an operator under the following conditions:

direct drive lawnmower:

in this case, it shall be moving at a speed such that the cutting device is operating at the maximum speed laid down by the manufacturer,

variable-drive lawnmower:

in this case, the highest gear shall be selected. The lawnmower shall be moving at a speed such that the cutting device is operating at the maximum speed laid down by the manufacturer.

Lawnmowers with combustion engines:

The engine oil used for operating the mower during measurement shall be as specified by the manufacturer. The fuel tank shall not be more than half full.

(b) Lawnmowers with electric motors:

If the lawnmower is powered by battery, the battery shall be fully charged. If the lawnmower is powered by a generator or from the mains, the frequency of the supply current, specified for the motor by the manufacturer, shall be stable during the test at ±1 Hz if the lawnmower is equipped with an induction motor, and the supply voltage at ±1.0% of the rated voltage if the lawnmower is equipped with a commutator motor. The voltage is measured at the plug of a non-detachable cable or cord, or at the inlet of the lawnmower if a detachable cable is provided. The waveform of the current supplied from the generator shall be similar to that obtained from the mains.

(c) Lawnmowers which hover or are hand held:

These mowers shall be restrained or supported to achieve their normal working position. The supports shall be made in such a way that they do not influence the measurement results.

Section 6.3.1 General

The measuring site must comply with the specifications of points 6.3.2, 6.3.3 or 6.3.4.

In case of dispute, measurements shall be carried out on a measuring site according to point 6.3.2.

Section 6.3.2 Measurements in the open air on artificial flooring

The test area must be flat and horizontal. The test area, including the vertical projection of the microphone positions, shall be of concrete or non-porous asphalt covered by an artificial flooring in accordance with Annex A of this Schedule, the centre of which coincides with the geometric centre of the hemisphere mentioned in point 6.4 and the corners of which are aimed at the vertical axes of the microphone positions 2, 4, 6 and 8.

If the wheels of the lawnmower could cause a compression of the artificial flooring of more than 1 cm the wheels shall be placed on supports so that they are level with the artificial flooring before compression. The supports shall be made in such a way that they do not influence the measurement results.

Section 6.3.3 Measurements in the open air on grass

The test area must be flat and horizontal. The test area including the vertical projection of the microphone positions shall be covered in grass turf which is not wet.

Section 6.3.4 Measurements indoors

The sound field inside the measurement room shall be similar to that of an acoustical free field, and the value of the constant C shall be determined in accordance with point 8.6.2.

The floor must be flat and horizontal. The test area, including the vertical projection of the microphone positions shall have the acoustical properties of concrete or non-porous asphalt and be covered by an artificial flooring in accordan ce with Annex A of this Schedule, the centre of which coincides with the geometric centre of the hemisphere mentioned in point 6.4 and the corners of which are aimed at the vertical axes of the microphone positions 2, 4, 6 and 8.

If the wheels of the lawnmower could cause a compression of the artificial flooring of more than 1 cm the wheels shall be placed on supports so that they are level with the artificial flooring before compression. The supports shall be made in such a way that they do not influence the measurement results.

Section 6.4.1 Measuring surface

The measuring surface to be used for the test shall be a hemisphere. The radius of the hemisphere shall be determined by the width of cut of the lawnmower.

The radius shall be:

4m, where the width of cut of the lawnmower to be tested is no more than 1.2m

10m, where the width of cut of the lawnmower to be tested exceeds 1.2m.

Section 6.4.2.1 General

For the purpose of measuring the noise emitted by lawnmowers when stationary and in motion, six measuring points shall be used, i.e. points 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12. When measurements are taken for stationary mowers, the centre of the hemisphere shall coincide with the projection of the geometric centre of the lawnmower to the ground, pointing from measuring point 1 towards point 5. For moving measurements, the displacement axis shall pass through the positions of measuring points 1 and 5 (See Figures 1 and 2).

Section 6.4.2.2 Position of the measuring points on a hemisphere of radius r

In the case of a hemisphere there shall, in principle, be 12 measuring points with the following coordinates (see Figure 2) although, for the measurements on lawnmowers, not all are used:

(x/r) r

(y/r) r

(z/r) r

The values x/r, y/r, z/r and z are given in Table 1:

Section 6 PRESENCE OF THE OPERATOR

An operator shall occupy the operator’s position.

Section 6.1 Clothing specifications

When he is present during the measurements, the operator must wear normal working clothes and all the equipment (e.g. safety helmet) normally prescribed for the post in question.