Overview
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the Noise Regulations) came into force for all industry sectors in Great Britain on 6 April 2006 (except for the music and entertainment sectors where they come into force on 6 April 2008).
The aim of the Noise Regulations is to ensure that workers' hearing is protected from excessive noise at their place of work, which could cause them to lose their hearing and/or to suffer from tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears).
In Practice
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 replace the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (except for the music and entertainment sectors where the 1989 Regulations will continue to apply until 6 April 2008).
Any persons working in noise levels between 80dBA (Lower Action Level) & 85dBA must be provided with suitable hearing protection on request. Where noise levels are at or above 85dBA (Upper Action Level), suitable hearing protection MUST BE SUPPLIED AND WORN. In addition, the new "Exposure Limit Value" requires that no worker may be exposed to more than "87dBA 8 Hour Equivalent" under any circumstances, taking into account any hearing protection worn, (the 87dBA level is that INSIDE the Hearing Protector). There are also new "Action Values" for IMPACT NOISE and the requirement for Risk Assessments in the workplace is reinforced by Article 4 of the new Directive.
Assessment of exposure
"Noisy" areas/work where there is likely to be risk from exposure to noise must be assessed by a competent person. Assessments will normally be carried out by, or arranged by, the Safety Office and will identify daily personal exposure levels and peak noise levels and records of the assessments must be kept by the appropriate departments etc.
Areas/work which may require assessment include woodworking and other machinery workshops, print-rooms, boiler rooms, ventilation plant rooms and areas which contain air compressors.
Reduction of exposure
Where employees or others are exposed at or above the second action level, departments etc must put in place appropriate risk control measures. The risk controls should, wherever practicable, comprise means other than personal protection, e.g. relocation of plant/machinery, replacement of machinery, engineering controls.
New machinery/equipment/plant
Before installation of machinery/equipment/plant which is likely to produce noise exposure at or above the first action level, details of noise emissions should be obtained from the potential suppliers, who have a legal duty to provide the information. Every attempt should be made to install only equipment from which noise omissions are below 80db(A), but if this appears not to be possible, the risk and risk control measures should be discussed with the Safety Office before an order is placed.
Ear protection
Where employees and others are exposed to noise levels between 80dba and 85dba they are entitled to request ear protection and this must be provided free of charge, however, there is no obligation on the departments etc to ensure the protection is being used.
At or above exposures of 85db(A), departments etc must provide ear protection, the department must enforce its use and the exposed persons themselves are under a statutory obligation to use the ear protection provided.
At or above 85db(A), the area must be clearly marked "Ear Protection Zone" and suitable signs are available from the Safety Office
No one must enter an ear protection zone unless they are wearing personal ear protection.
Information, instruction and training on the risk to hearing from the work equipment etc should be provided by the department and should include information about the ear protection that is provided, where it should be used and the proper way to wear and look after it.
Ear protection must properly attenuate noise and be suitable and comfortable for the wearer. Information and advice on ear protection is available from the Safety Office.
Ear protection should be readily available to those who need it, including visitors.
Use and maintenance of noise control equipment
Departments etc should check regularly that any noise control equipment is being properly used.
Equipment, e.g. silencers and attenuating enclosures, should be checked for safety reasons at least once annually. They should be in good condition such that they continue to be effective. Records of these checks should be kept in the department.
Re-usable ear protection should be inspected periodically and replaced when necessary. Employees and other users should report any damaged or defective protection.
Line managers should be responsible for any noise reduction programmes, for noise control equipment, for the selection and maintenance of ear protection and for training.
Labelling noisy machines
Where machine operators are required to wear ear protection, a sign must be posted on the machine. Appropriate signs can be obtained from the Safety Office.
Ongoing action required
(a) Identify noisy areas during annual departmental inspections.
(b) Consider whether exposure to injurious noise is likely. If "yes", review written assessments or arrange for new assessments to be carried out via the Safety Office.
(c) Review efficacy of noise control programmes.
(d) Review suitability and efficacy of ear protection provided.