Information on Work Related Noise and Hearing Loss
- Introduction
- Suggested steps
- Useful links to further information
- Other useful references or other resources
Introduction
When people are exposed to high levels of noise in the workplace, it can lead to permanent hearing damage. This damage can cause poorer hearing ability (general hearing loss), as well as a condition known as tinnitus, which manifests itself as a constant ringing in the ears. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have identified noise induced hearing loss as a considerable occupational disease with over 170000 people in work reported to suffer from deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions resulting from excessive exposure to noise at work.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 place a general duty on employers to reduce the risk of hearing damage to the lowest level reasonably practicable. Noise levels are measured in A-weighted decibels (dB(A)), which reflect the normal ability of the ear to hear sounds at different frequencies. Noise exposure is assessed in terms of the daily 8-hour equivalent average noise level.
The employer is required to take certain actions, such as the provision of hearing protection, information, instruction and training etc., when the daily exposure level is likely to exceed 80dB(A). This is known as the lower exposure action level. When the daily average exposure level is likely to exceed 85dB(A), the upper exposure action level, further management action is required, including controlling the noise at source and designating hearing protection zones where the use of ear protection is mandatory. There is also an additional limit of 87 dB(A), which must not be exceeded, but which takes into account the effect of ear exposure. The peak sound pressure levels (C weighted) must also not be exceeded.
The following points are provided as general guidance until the new noise regulations come into force in February 2006.
Suggested steps are:
- Noise assessments should be reviewed and noisy machines or work processes where the operator's exposure could exceed 85 dB(A) should be identified and targeted for noise reduction controls.
- Noise exposures should be reduced by engineering controls, rather than by the use of hearing protection. Typical solutions may include improved maintenance of equipment, installation of acoustic screens or enclosures, or relocation of noisy equipment to remote locations.
- Where it is not practicable to control noise at source, hearing protection should be provided for those employees whose exposure is likely to exceed 80 dB(A).
- Where hearing protection is provided, it must be capable of reducing the noise level at the ear of the wearer to 87 dB(A).
- The employees should receive information, instruction and training in the hearing protection programme. This will include information about where to obtain the ear protection and when and where it should be worn. It is also important that the employees know how to fit hearing protection properly.
- The employer should provide appropriate support and access to health professionals (for example, GP and Occupational Health Professionals) as required and actively monitor and assess noise levels and any trends in noise related illness on a regular basis.
- As with all health and safety issues it is important that employees are encouraged to report any problems they experience.
Useful links for further information on occupational noise:
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Link to HSE web site where general information and advice is provided about workplace noise and what an employer can do about it.
www.hse.gov.uk/noise/ - HSE Publications
www.hsebooks.co.uk
Other useful resources:
- Reducing noise at work. Guidance on the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. L108 ISBN 0 7176 6164 4 HSE.
This provides advice and guidance on legal aspects of the current Regulations, as well as practical control measures that can be used and how an employer may choose a competent person to conduct noise assessments. - Sound Solutions: techniques to reduce noise at work. HSG 138 ISBN 0 7176 0791 7 HSE Books.
- Sound Solutions Offshore: Practical examples of noise reduction. HSG182 ISBN 0 7176 6581 2 HSE Books.
- Sound Solutions in Food and Drink: Reducing noise in food and drink manufacturing. HSG 232 0 7176 2548 6 HSE Books
Noise at Work: Advice for Employers: INDG 362. HSE
A guidance booklet on the Noise at Work Regulations and steps that can be taking to address noise related problems.