Institute of Acoustics (IOA) training

The Institute of Acoustics` graduate entry Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control has been running since 1975. It is usually studied on a part-time basis, over a little more than one year. The Diploma course commences in September/October and study of the Modules extends until June (exams) in the following year. - except for the Project for which the submission deadline is in October of the following year. The diploma Syllabus is available through the link below.

The ASBA course is approved by the Royal Environmental Health Institute of Scotland (REHIS) and the Institute of Acoustics and relates to the implementation of the noise provisions of the Anti-Social Behaviour Act in Scotland. It is designed to enable successful candidates to make and report the required noise measurements in a competent manner. For those without a prior qualification in acoustics and noise measurement recognised by REHIS and the IOA it is a three day course. For those with such a qualification it is available as a one day refresher course (this is generally facilitated by attending the final day of the longer course).

This Certificate course aims to provide a recognised course of education and training to enable persons to carry out workplace noise assessments in a competent manner, as required by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Since the course was first run in 1989, more than 2000 people have gained the Certificate. With the introduction of the new Regulations in 2005, demand for competent noise exposure assessments is increasing and this course provides those registering with the latest information and training to meet the demands of this new legislation. It is designed to provide a background of basic acoustics combined with `hands on` practical experience of industrial noise measurements and associated assessment of workplace noise exposure.

This five-day course seeks to enable course delegates to appreciate the nature of Hand-Arm Vibration hazards in the workplace and the need to protect employees from hand-arm vibration syndrome and to advise and assist employers to meet their legal duties under relevant health and safety law, in accordance with current guidance from the Health and Safety Executive. After completing the course delegates should be able to explain the requirements of current legislation, identify situations where hazards exist and assess the risk, discuss basic techniques for control of vibration exposure and identify areas where vibration reduction is required, assess the effectiveness of vibration control measures, evaluate the daily vibration exposures of employees from information about measured vibration magnitudes and work patterns and explain the uses and limitations of personal protective equipment.

This five-day course provides a basic knowledge of the methodology for measuring and reporting sound insulation and aspects of room acoustics, together with relevant provisions of key standards and guidance. There is an examination on the final day of the course.

This five-day course seeks to provide delegates with a basic knowledge of the methodology of environmental noise measurement, including the use and accuracy requirements of sound level meters and analysers and to enable them be aware of the significance of measurement data against the framework of standards and legislation for environmental noise.