Employers will no longer be able to ignore the issue of noise polution in the workplace. Because the regulations are about to get a lot more stringent

New noise at work regulations come into force next month, and managers who do not take note could find themselves facing personal injury claims.

"Noise is going to be a similar issue to vibration white finger," warns NHBC health and safety manager Simon Mantle. "There are going to be a significant number of claims where people have been damaged either before there were regulations or because regulations are not being enforced."

On paper the reductions in noise which the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 differ from the 1989 regulations look small - just 5dB. But because dB are measured on a logarithmic scale, that equates to a 75% reduction in noise. So employers must provide hearing protection when noise reaches a level of 85dB which is equivalent to the noise you would encounter while crossing a busy road (Action levels and limit values, see box below).

How can you tell if there is a noise problem? If conversations are not possible when 2m apart, or if there are one-off loud noises like hammering, action needs to be taken. There is a lot more to the new regulations than providing PPE. As an employer the regulations require:

  • Assess the risks to employees from noise
  • Take action to reduce noise exposure that produces those risks
  • Provide hearing protection if noise exposure cannot be reduced some other way
  • Ensure legal limits are not exceeded
  • Provide employees with training and information
  • Carry out surveillance if there is potential risk.
Providing hearing protection should be a last resort, according to HSE's guidance. Mantle suggests the following ways to reduce noise exposure. He adds that commercial departments must take such measure into account at the bid stage.

  • Use quieter machinery; equipment manufacturers are rising to the challenge by producing new bits and blades which produce less noise
  • Programme differently so that employees are not working next to noisy operations
  • Use a sound buffer to soak up noise
  • Relocate noisy machinery such as generators.
  • For more information see HSE's Noise at work, Guidance for employers on the Control at Work Regulations 2005

Action levels and limit values

Lower exposure action levels (measured without PPE) - hearing protection must be available on request.
Noise averaged over a week or day 80dB(A). Maximum noise 135dB(C)


Upper exposure action values (measured without PPE) - Hearing protection is compulsory.
Noise averaged over a week or day 85dB(A). Maximum noise 137dB(C)


Exposure limit values (measured with PPE).
Noise averaged over a week or day 87dB(A). Maximum noise 140dB(C)

Note: sound is measured in decibels (dB); dB(A) measure average noise levels and dB(C) measure peak noises.

Source

Construction Manager