The ASP Research Partnership does not in any way endorse or warrant the functionality, performance or quality of the products it aims to test, as seen on this website. When complete the tests will provide a qualified index rating on performance, function and safety against manufacturer claims and specifications.

Phase 1. Laboratory Tests

To be carried out by the National Physical Laboratory contracted by the Acoustic Safety Programme. A team of independent expert DSP and Sound Engineers led by Dr. Richard Barham, Senior Research Scientist, NPL, will manage a testing regimen on all telephony equipment commonly used by call centre operatives and office workers. To review a summary of the test protocol simply send a request in writing to info@acousticsafety.org.

Phase 2. Field Tests

To be carried out by the ASP Research Partnership in Call Centres across the UK working with some of the UK's largest and most well known employers. A team of specialist noise experts, DSP and Acoustic Engineers and Medical experts will monitor noise exposure and performance of the equipment alongside human factors in a working environment. Dr Andrew Graham-Cumming, Medical Director, ASP will head this team up. To review a summary of the test protocol, participate in and/or contribute to these field trials simply send a request in writing to info@acousticsafety.org.

Phase 3. Periodic Assessments

A series of quarterly tests will be carried out on any product upgrades and/or new products coming into the market using the same team and criteria as above.

Comparative Test Reports

Announcements on the publication and availability of the Independent Equipment Test Reports will be forthcoming later in 2009 when a series of secondary tests in real or lice situations (field tests as above) have been carried out through 2009.

Headsets and in-line Devices - Stage 1 / Equipment Samples click here

Examples of companies supplying headsets and in-line devices (monitoring, amplification and protection equipment) and products on the market to be tested by the ASP Research Partnership (mostly as used in call centre and office environment)

• Altesys
• Clement Clarke Communications (C3)
• GN Netcom
• Plantronics
• Polaris
• Sennheiser
• Voice Active

Telephone Handsets and Systems - Stage 2

Examples of companies supplying telephones with handset products on the market to be tested by the ASP Research Partnership (mostly as used in call centre and office environments)

• Alcatel
• Ascom
• AT&T
• Avaya
• BT Branded Goods
• Ericsson
• Mitel
• NEC
• Nortel
• Panasonic
• Phillips
• Samsung
• Siemens
• Toshiba
• Trojan