115 The impact of physical stressors in a neonatal intensive care unit in Ireland

This study quantifies the vibration levels emitted by neonatal incubators and analyses the impact of equipment age, mattress types and human behaviour on the vibration levels. A comprehensive dataset of vibration measurements have been recorded and have been compared to the ‘ISO 2631-1:1997 Mechanical vibration and shock’ comfort rating scale. The data has been further analysed with the occupational exposure action (EAV) and limit values (ELV) as outlined in Chapter 2 of Part 5 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. The study further investigates the noise levels in the NICU setting. Noise surveys have been conducted across day and night shifts, with the noise levels compared to the exposure action (EAV) and exposure limit values as per Chapter 1 of Part 5 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. in addition, the noise levels were compared to the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants (EFCNI) Management of the Acoustic Environment Standard. A management strategy has been developed to ensure the NICU meets the twelve components of the EFCNI standard from the parents/ guardians through to the hospital management. The NICU involved in this study is the first unit in Ireland to implement the standard, and it is envisaged that the management strategy be rolled our across all NICUs in Ireland.