Noise
This section provides information about the dangers of high noise levels produced at work places and advice on noise reduction methods.
Exposure to high noise levels can cause incurable hearing damage. Usually the important factors are:-
i) The noise level (given in decibels, as dB(A))
ii) The extent of exposure
The damage involves loss of hearing ability, sometimes made worse by permanent 'ringing in the ears' (tinnitus).
Legal Requirements
The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 contain requirements where noise exposure is likely to be at or above any of three Action Levels (ALs).
Two of the Action Levels are values of 'daily personal exposure to noise', shortened to LEP,d. These depend on the noise level in the working area and how long people spend in them during the day. The first Action Level is an LEP,d of 85 dB(A) and the second Action Level is an LEP,d of 90 dB(A).
There is also a Peak Action Level of 200 pascals (equivalent to 140 dB), most likely to be important where loud impulsive sources (e.g. cartridge operated tools) are used, sometimes only occasionally.
Deciding What To Do
As a 'rule of thumb' indicator of likely noise level, if you have to raise your voice to be heard when standing next to a person this is approximately 85 dB(A).
The assessment of noise exposure should be done by a competent person. Records of assessments should be kept, until superseded. Published advice is available on practical ways to quieten the workplace (See published guidance). Machinery suppliers and trade associations may also be useful information or help.
Noise reduction methods can be placed in a hierarchy, as follows:-
i) reduce noise at source - better equipment; isolation; enclosure
ii) increase distance from source
(iii) provide baffles
(iv) reduce time spent in area/rotate staff
(v) personal protective equipment (e.g. ear defenders)
Prevention is always better than cure. Choosing quieter machinery from the start can save you the cost of introducing noise reduction measures once it is installed.
You may wish to consider introducing a 'Positive Noise Reduction Purchasing Policy' i.e. preparing a strategy for controlling the impact of noisy machinery in the workplace.
The leaflet 'Keep the Noise Down - Advice for Purchasers of Workplace Machinery' contains useful information which will help you when discussing machinery specifications with potential suppliers and when considering noise reduction strategies.
The use of ear protection should not be regarded as a substitute for noise reduction.
Ear protection zones (where exposure is to the Second Action Level of 90 dB(A)) should be marked with notices:-
Published Guidance
The booklet L108 'Reducing Noise at Work - Guidance on the Noise at Work Regulations 1989' (HSE) gives extensive guidance on the subject of occupational exposure to noise. It comprises:
Part 1: Legal duties of employers to prevent damage to hearing.
Part 2: Duties of designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers.
Part 3: How to choose a competent person - advice for employers.
Part 4: How to carry out a noise assessment - advice for the competent person.
Part 5: Control of noise exposure - advice for employers and engineers.
Part 6: Selection and use of personal ear protection - advice for employers.
This publication is commended to all employers with a potential noise problem/issue in their workplace.
Useful Links
See the HSE advice:
www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm
See the Association of Noise Consultants website
www.association-of-noise-consultants.co.uk
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Reigate
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