Noise at Work
Introduction
AEC offer occupational hygiene consultants who can provide a competent and independent assessment of noise levels within the workplace utilising a Type 1 Integrating Sound Level Meter (SLM) and personal dosimetry, in accordance with the 'Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005)'.
Assessments typically measure the 'A’ weighted sound pressure levels to which employees are being exposed during their daily work routine, in order to build up a noise picture of the site and to identify the clients’ legal duties as an employer under the current regulations. Where required AEC will undertake personal dosimetry, utilising the latest technology, to assist in calculating an employee’s daily noise exposure.
In addition to workplace noise assessments, AEC can arrange the audiometric testing of employees, following the initial assessment.
On completion of the workplace noise assessment an interpretive report is produced including observations, a summary of monitoring results, conclusions and recommendations and advice on how to reduce employees exposure, where necessary. AEC can then work with your organisation to help produce a management plan on how best to protect your employees against the risks from excessive noise levels.
Regulations
The main body of legislation regarding noise at work is the 'Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005)’.
The basic principle of the 'Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005)’ requires employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to excessive noise at work, so far as is reasonably practicable with specific measures required where people are exposed to given 'action levels’.
The 'Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005)’ incorporates 'Exposure Action Values’ and also an 'Exposure Limit Value’ that must not be exceeded, even taking account of hearing protection.
The exposure action and limit values for daily exposure and peak noise are;
| Daily or weekly exposure (expressed as LEP,d) | Peak sound pressure (expressed as LCpeak) | |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Exposure Action Values | 80 dB(A) | 135 dB(C) |
| Upper Exposure Action Values | 85 dB(A) | 137 dB(C) |
| Exposure Limit Values (taking account of hearing protection) | 87 dB(A) | 140 dB(C) |
Exposure to elevated levels of noise within the workplace can lead to irreversible hearing damage, commonly known as noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), tinnitus, headaches, communication problems and stress.
The Regulations place emphasis on assessing the risks to workers from elevated noise levels, not just in terms of damage to their hearing but also with respect to employees being able to hear warning sirens, alarms, moving vehicles etc. Risk assessments should be undertaken when workers are likely to be exposed to the lower exposure action level of 80 dB(A).
Case Study
AEC have undertaken a workplace noise assessment within a large manufacturing site which involved both noise measurements at the operatives working positions, and within the general work areas.
In addition personal dosimeters were utilised on a number of mobile employees who operated in differing areas of the site.
Following the initial assessment an evaluation of the hearing protection currently being used by the site was undertaken; from the assessment AEC worked closely with the client to produce a noise management plan, which included the implementation of control methods and noise reduction strategies.
The site put into practice a number of hearing protection zones, and removed a few that were not required, and replaced their current hearing protection with more appropriate models.
AEC were able to arrange for a number of employees to undergo audiometric testing as well as providing noise awareness training for the relevant staff.
For an independent review and further information, call our commercial team on 0161 872 7111.
