Occupational Workplace Noise Assessments
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the 2005 Regulations) implements the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive (2003/10/EC). The 2005 regulations came into force in April 2006 with immediate effect and the aim of ensuring the protection of “workers hearing” to excessive noise whilst at work.
The 2005 regulations introduces a reduction of 5dB at which action must be taken, and also introduces a new exposure limit value of 87dB. The Regulations also impose a duty on employers to prevent or reduce risks from exposure to noise at work to as low a level as is reasonably practicable and requires employers to:
- Assess the risks to employees (and others) from exposure to noise at work;
- Take action to reduce the exposure that produces those risks;
- Provide employees (and others) with hearing protection, if the noise exposure cannot be reduced enough by using other methods;
- Make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded;
- Provide employees (and others) with information, instruction and training;
- Carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health;
Hearing damage caused by exposure to noise at work can be permanent and incurable. HSE research estimates that over 1 million people are exposed to noise levels at work that may be harmful and cases of people receiving compensation for noise induced hearing loss or damage are increasing every year.
To assist you in the effective management of noise in the workplace Environmental Compliance can:
- Carry out work place noise risk assessments
- Assess occupational noise exposure levels within the workplace
- Identify areas where employees maybe exposed to excessive noise levels of occupational noise
- Highlighting areas where occupational noise may require control thorough production of noise maps
- Provide advice on the best techniques for protecting employees from excessive noise exposure