ISO 21131-2019 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 21131-2019 — Ships and marine technology — Marine cranes — Noise limits and measuring method. This International Standard specifies noise limits, the measurement method for assessing noise from marine cranes and guidance on hearing protection for crane operators and other personnel on board ships.

Abstract

This document establishes permitted noise limits for marine cranes, defines how to measure airborne noise generated by marine cranes (including measurement positions, instrumentation and conditions), and provides requirements and recommendations for hearing protection and reporting. It applies to assessment of noise exposure associated with typical shipboard crane types (electro-hydraulic cylinder luffing cranes, electro-hydraulic wire rope luffing cranes and electric wire rope luffing cranes) for the protection of operators and nearby personnel.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed).
• Publication date: 12 June 2019 (ISO publication); confirmed 3 September 2024.
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 17.140.20 (Ships and marine technology) / 47.020.40 (Cranes).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2019).
• Number of pages: 6 pages.

Scope

ISO 21131:2019 applies to the noise assessment of marine cranes installed on ships and to protective measures for crane operators and other nearby personnel. The standard covers specific types of shipboard cranes (electro-hydraulic cylinder luffing, electro-hydraulic wire rope luffing and electric wire rope luffing cranes) and defines noise limits, measurement positions and methods, test conditions and reporting to ensure consistent, repeatable assessment of crane airborne noise aboard vessels.

Key topics and requirements

• Defined noise limits and acceptance criteria for marine crane operation to protect operators and shipboard personnel.
• Standardized measurement method: prescribed measurement positions, microphone placement, instrumentation and calibration requirements.
• Measurement conditions and test procedures (operating modes, loading conditions and environmental considerations) to ensure repeatability.
• Requirements for measurement uncertainty, data processing (e.g., A-weighted levels, averaging) and reporting format.
• Guidance on hearing protection and risk mitigation for operators and adjacent crew where limits are exceeded.
• Applicability and limitations: types of cranes covered and situations where additional assessment or alternative methods may be required.

Typical use and users

Used by shipbuilders, marine-crane manufacturers, naval architects, ship operators, classification societies, port authorities, shipboard safety officers and acoustic consultants. Typical uses include design verification of new cranes, factory and on-board noise testing, compliance checks for operator safety, and inclusion in ship acceptance testing and documentation.

Related standards

Standards and documents commonly used alongside ISO 21131:2019 include international acoustics measurement standards (for example, ISO standards on machinery noise measurement and sound power determination), standards and guidance on shipboard lifting appliances and relevant classification society rules and maritime occupational health regulations. Implementers should also consult national occupational noise regulations and complementary ISO measurement standards when preparing test procedures and reports.

Keywords

marine crane, shipboard crane, noise limits, noise measurement, acoustic measurement, hearing protection, ISO 21131, marine technology, crane testing, operator safety

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21131:2019 is an international standard titled "Ships and marine technology — Marine cranes — Noise limits and measuring method" that sets noise limits and a standardized measurement method for shipboard cranes.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers airborne noise assessment for specified types of marine cranes, prescribing measurement positions, instrumentation and test conditions, defining noise limits and providing guidance on hearing protection and reporting for operators and nearby personnel.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Shipbuilders, crane manufacturers, classification societies, acoustic consultants, ship operators, port and safety authorities, and occupational health professionals use the standard for design verification, on-board testing and compliance with noise-safety requirements.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 21131:2019 was published in June 2019 and was reviewed and confirmed current on 3 September 2024. As of that confirmation it remains the current edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is a standalone International Standard within ISO/TC 8/SC 4 (ships and marine technology — shipboard lifting appliances). It is commonly used together with other ISO acoustics and machinery-noise measurement standards when performing detailed noise assessments.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Marine crane, noise limits, noise measurement, hearing protection, shipboard equipment, acoustic testing, ISO 21131.