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Noise control campaign (2007-2008)
HSE (Health & Safety Executive) inspectors addressed noise during
2007-8 in three priority industry sectors. They expected to see
evidence of reduction of noise risks to the lowest level that is
reasonably practicable. Where noise risks remain, inspectors will be
looking for evidence that the risks are being managed adequately and
that suitable hearing protection and health surveillance is in place.
The
following products are useful for providing a warning when noise
levels are sufficiently high that hearing protection should be worn.
Follow the HSE industry links below for information on established good
practice for managing noise risks.
Plastic products -
Woodworking -
Concrete and cement products
Each industry page includes information on established practical
noise control methods for particular high noise activities and
processes. Information on general management of noise risks and
links to further information & case studies.
Regulations
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the Noise Regulations) came
into force for all industry sectors in the UK in 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 worker are
protected from excessive noise levels at their place of work, which may cause hearing
damage or tinnitus (permanent ringing in the
ears).
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.
Employers must provide hearing protection and hearing
protection zones at noise levels of 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure) and the
level at which employers must assess the risk to workers health and provide
them with information and training is now 80 decibels. Workers must not be
exposed to a noise level of more than 87 decibels, taking into account
any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection.
The full text of the Control of Noise at Work
Regulations 2005 and the full text of the Control of Noise
at Work Regulations 1989 can be viewed online.
Guidance on the 2005 Regulations can be found in the free HSE leaflet Noise at Work
(INDG362 (rev 1) [240kb] and in HSEs
book Controlling Noise at Work (L108) (ISBN 0-7176-6164-4) available from HSE Books or from bookshops, price
13.95.
Guidance on the 1989 Regulations (currently only relevant to the music and
entertainment sectors) can be found in old versions of L108 Reducing Noise at
Work (ISBN 0-7176-1511-1). A summary of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 is
provided in Noise at Work advice for
employers [409kb]
Background to the Noise Regulations
Both the 1989 and the 2005 sets of noise regulations are based on European
Union Directives requiring similar basic laws throughout the Union on protecting
workers from the health risks caused by noise. They do not apply to members of
the public exposed to noise from their non-work activities, or when they make an
informed choice to go to noisy places or from nuisance noise.
The 2005 Noise Regulations replace the 1989 Noise Regulations and introduce
new requirements for action to be taken by employers. For example, the 2005
Regulations require employers to take action to protect workers at levels of
noise 5 decibels lower than in the 1989 Regulations and now require health
surveillance (hearing checks) for workers regularly exposed above 85 decibels.
Thousands of employees are exposed to loud noise at work and there is a risk
of damage to
their hearing. Compliance with the Noise Regulations will protect workers
hearing.
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