Noise at work regulations
The noise at work regulations require employers to assess the noise to which employees may be exposed. This is because exposure to high levels of noise can cause incurable hearing damage. Usually the important factors are:
- The noise level given in decibels (dBA)
- Exposure, how long employees are exposed to the noise, not only daily but over a number of years.
Sound is a pressure wave and sometimes the peak pressure of the sound may be so great that there is a risk of instantaneous damage to the component parts of the ear. This is most likely when explosive sorts of noise are involved like cartridge-operated tools or guns.
What problems can noise at work cause?
Noise at work can cause other problems such as disturbance, interference with communications and stress. Although the regulations do not deal with these problems you should bear in mind that they might also need to be addressed. The main requirements of the regulations apply when the noise is likely to be at or above any of the actions levels set. The first two action levels are a measure of the daily personal exposure to noise, namely 80 dB(A) and 85 dB(A) averaged over an 8-hour working day. The third action level is the maximum pressure reached by the sound wave and is set at 140 dB(A) or 200 pascals. (The guide to these Regulations, shown with a link below, gives more "user friendly" information on the new requirements.)
How do you know if you have a noise at work problem?
Employers must first decide whether they have a noise problem and as a guide if a person has to shout to be heard at a 2 metre distance from someone, then these regulations will apply.
It is important then to have the noise exposure to workers assessed by a competent person, tell the workers of the findings, reduce the noise as far as reasonably practicable and implement ear protection measures that are required. This should all be followed by routine monitoring of the whole programme.
The control of noise regulations 2005 act and new guidance on noise at work can be viewed by the following hyperlinks: