Petition: remove child-specific antipersonnel device from Welsh library

and i would not focus specifically on the noise issue, for example, this product probably needs to comply to the Electromagnetic Compatibility standard, since it is a fixed installation:

http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/sectors/electrical/emc/

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Exactly, that is the problem with him trying to get it to pass safety codes… There are specific measurable components to the codes such as x dB(a) level of sound for 8 hrs, but then there are the other non-measurable, subjective, components (especially for near-ultrasonic (the mosquito) and ultrasonic).

These subjective effects are what the mosquito is designed to produce, so it will never really meet safety requirements.
US OSHA Noise and Hearing Conservation Technical Manual Chapter: Appendix I:D. Ultrasonics guidance:

Subjective annoyance and discomfort may occur in some individuals at levels between 75 and 105 dB for the frequencies from 10 kHz to 20 kHz especially if they are tonal in nature. Hearing protection or engineering controls may be needed to prevent subjective effects. Tonal sounds in frequencies below 10 kHz might also need to be reduced to 80 dB.

Here is what Cardiff University’s policy (.doc) has to say:

It has been suggested that frequencies of approximately 18 kHz at 70 dB SPL’s have been enough to cause a temporary threshold shift (temporary hearing loss) while frequencies above 17 kHz at 70 dB may cause ‘subjective effects’ in some individuals e.g. nausea, headaches, fatigue and general malaise. Although audible noise at work is covered under the Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and provides us with ‘exposure action values’ (a specific level of noise where certain action must be taken) and ‘exposure limit values’ (a specific level of noise at the ear of an employee that must not be exceeded) both these action and limit values are higher than 70 dB. Therefore protection against over-exposure for some individuals may be a requirement at audible frequencies >17 kHz even if the SPL’s are below the exposure action and exposure limit values set out in the Noise at Work Regulations.

Basically, it says that the action levels for normal noise are above the levels that can trigger temporary hearing loss and/or subjective effects from frequencies ~18 kHz

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I looked at the CE noise emission in the environment standard and it does not seem to apply to this device. That standard is aimed at things like leaf blowers and noisy construction equipment. But maybe there is another standard for noise that applies.

However, if the device is not in compliance with other regulatory standards, that would be a way to get it off the market. Most every electrical device has to be tested for electrical interference with other devices and for fire safety. There is an expense to meeting these standards, and it takes time to get the certification. So, noncompliance to these standards could be used to get the device off the market.

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Some interesting points from Fair Play for Children questioning the legal opinion on Compound Security Systems website re the Mosquito

http://www.fairplayforchildren.org/pdf/1403563414.pdf

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Clearly, the correct response to high frequencies is bass
:wink:

So what you should see on the Specs for this product are some marks, kind of like these that I found on a Bose speaker spec sheet. Not necessarily these marks per se, but there should be a section on a spec sheet with things like this.

I see nothing like that on this device’s website anywhere, but a lot of so called reports from people that have nothing to do with manufacturing or engineering.

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The Mosquito is not built by the inventor but in Wales at a factory my friend works at and I am sure it meets all standards as the company is part of a billion dollar electronics corporation :stuck_out_tongue:

Hey, Jon. Welcome to BoingBoing! Are you going to post more than just this one comment in this one thread? It’s almost like you know MrMosquito really, really well.

Read about him, he lives in Wales to i think

Its my uncle who works on the production line, so I not saying any more

So why won’t they tell us what standards it meets? The silence speaks volumes

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How do I know back at school next week, I hate the Fing thing it stopped me hanging at mates place as next door put it up not saying any more. my dad will ground me if he finds me blogging about it.

I see what you did there.

Jon I advise you to stop posting before you cause serious trouble.

The Mosquito is manufactured by an ISO 9001 company.

It carries all the relevant markings, be happy to sell you your own device so you can check.

His original post was in favor of your device. If threatening is how you treat your friends…

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His 1st post was boasting, his second not so complementary.

Where the device is made or not made is my business and no one else’s.

Good Night.

All the relevant marking for a sonic weapon, intended to cause pain in children, and bound to cause pain to people of various ages who are unable to escape from the sound or are unable to recover from the damage.

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You’ve just confessed that your device is NOT compliant with all applicable laws and regulations, and that your company is not being run professionally. Thanks for confirming our concerns so quickly.

I wonder what the relevant agency would be there, to report this product? Anyone know?

Streisand Effect, definition of.

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Or you could be a responsible business owner and be honest about your products. The fact that you are deliberately hiding information about the supposed safety of your products tells me that they are in fact quite dangerous and that you know it. Also, pleade don’t threaten other BBS users.

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