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Health and Safety Noise Assessment Project
AI Summary
The Maritime and Coastguard Agency is procuring a comprehensive noise assessment service that will examine exposure levels across a range of rescue and inspection environments. The project is divided into three interrelated components: a feasibility study of helicopter‑related noise for squadron crew during transport and hover operations; a dosimetric audit of marine surveyors working in engine and generator rooms; and an evaluation of headset‑induced noise exposure for staff in Joint and Maritime Rescue Coordination Centres. Each component will deliver detailed exposure profiles, risk analyses, and recommendations for hearing protection and operational changes.
The first part requires a systematic measurement of acoustic levels for three helicopter types operating in three geographic sectors, with the objective of determining typical noise profiles and identifying periods of peak exposure. The second part will involve in‑situ noise dosimetry during vessel inspections, assessing cumulative exposure and evaluating the adequacy of existing protective equipment. The third section focuses on continuous headset use, quantifying the noise dose from prolonged communication sessions and evaluating associated health risks for coordination personnel. The study should culminate in a written report containing a graded risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and evidence‑based guidance for the Agency’s hearing protection policy.
All noise measurements and assessments must comply with ISO 9613‑2 and UK Health and Safety Executive guidelines for occupational noise exposure.
Description
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MCA Requirement will cover the following:
Part 1: Noise Risk Assessment and Recommended Levels of Hearing Protection
A feasibility study is required to determine the extent of noise exposure experienced by SCOO and CRO rescue team members during helicopter related operations. These personnel assist with the removal of casualties from helicopters when transferring to ambulances or hospital facilities, and they may also be exposed during live rescue operations when helicopters are required to hover overhead. This results in exposure to high noise levels and significant downward pressure.
The initial scope covers three helicopter types, assessed in possibility three geographical areas, to understand typical noise levels and exposure profiles. The study may be extended depending on initial findings.
Part 2: Noise Risk Assessment for Marine Surveyors During Vessel Inspections
Marine Surveyors frequently access high noise environments such as engine rooms, generator spaces, and other machinery compartments during vessel inspections. Although hearing protection is currently provided, the MCA requires a clearer understanding through dosimetry measurements of:
• the cumulative noise exposure experienced over time, and
• whether existing hearing protection remains suitable and sufficient.
Part 3: Assessment of Noise Exposure from Headset Use in Rescue Coordination Centres
Rescue Coordinators in JRCC and MRCC centres use communication headsets continuously, sometimes for extended periods (over one to two hours) depending on the duration and complexity of rescue missions. Staff have reported concerns related to constant static noise and the potential impact on their long term hearing.
The MCA seeks to determine:
• the cumulative level of noise exposure from headset use, and
• the associated risk to employee hearing health.
This questionnaire is intended to furnish the MCA with the key information it requires to plan a fair and open procurement for this service, including:
• Market appetite for participating in a tender process.
Communication: submission via the Procurement Portal Jaggaer
Enquiry deadline: 2026-09-25T17:00:00+01:00
Submission address and any special instructions: submission via the Procurement Portal Jaggaer
Tenders may be submitted electronically: notAllowed
Award decision date (estimated): 2026-11-06T23:59:59+00:00
Lot: 1
Lot value (estimated)
200.000,00 GBP excluding VAT
240.000,00 GBP including VAT
This contract is subject to renewal: Yes
Description of renewals: To allow the thorough evaluation of reports and reccomendations
Award criteria:
| Name | Type | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Most advantageous tender | price | 40% |
Languages in which tenders or requests to participate may be submitted: En