The goal at the Field Verification stage is to demonstrate that the noise emission levels do indeed comply with the quoted and accepted noise emission after installation. The requestor must complete the Field Verification Authorization Form, which documents one of several possible results. Required approval signatures are based on the combined results of shop and field verification:
Passed
Equipment unambiguously met the quoted and accepted noise emission.
If the equipment Passes, authorization to accept the equipment may be granted by the Buy-Quiet Program Manager.
Compromised
Field verification results did not meet the quoted and accepted noise emission levels because of technical considerations related to the test conditions. There is reason to believe that the result would have been acceptable under better conditions. Examples might include: influence of ambient noise or reflections in the host environment. It is important that the signatories review the justification for Compromised status.
If the result is Compromised, consent from a Branch-Level Manager and the Buy-Quiet Program Manager is required. If the Shop Verification result was Failed or Omitted, the consent of a Division-Level Manager is necessary because there is a chance that the equipment may actually exceed the quoted and accepted noise emission.
Note: It is often possible to obtain an improved noise emission estimate by retaining the services of a consultant.
Precluded
Field verification was not possible because of legitimate technical or practical challenges. Examples might include too much ambient noise at the installation location, equipment cannot run in isolation and is quieter than ancillary equipment, or excessive size of the equipment (for sound power level measurements). It is important that the signatories review the justification for Precluded status.
If the Field Verification test was Precluded, consent from a Branch-Level Manager and the Buy-Quiet Program Manager is required. If the Shop Verification result was Precluded, Failed or Omitted, the additional consent of a Division-Level Manager is necessary because of the absence of measured data to prove that the equipment meets the quoted and accepted noise emission.
Failed
Equipment unambiguously did not meet the quoted and accepted noise emission. Efforts by the supplier to rectify the situation were unsuccessful.
If the Field verification result was Failed or Omitted, consent must be obtained from all three (Buy-Quiet Program Manager, Branch-Level Manager, and Division-Level Manager) in order to authorize acceptance of the equipment.
Omitted
Test was not performed because of reasons of convenience. Examples might include: time pressure, cost impact of added testing. Authorization to accept the equipment requires the consent of the Buy-Quiet Program Manager and may also require the consent of a Branch-Level Manager and a Division-Level Manager. The additional level of review is justified by the fact that a significant health and safety quality control step has not been successfully completed.
If the Field verification result was Failed or Omitted, consent must be obtained from all three (Buy-Quiet Program Manager, Branch-Level Manager, and Division-Level Manager) in order to authorize acceptance of the equipment.