Noise At Work
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) aim to ensure that hearing is protected from excessive noise whilst at work. Employers are required to assess the risks, control noise at source and, where appropriate, provide hearing protection and regular health surveillance.
Noise Exposure Levels
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are designed to protect employees from the health and safety risks of excessive noise. High noise levels can damage hearing and may prevent employees from hearing instructions, alarms, or other important warning sounds. HSE guidance states that when daily or weekly noise exposure exceeds 80dB(A) employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide information and training. When exposure exceeds 85dB(A) employers must provide hearing protection, provide health surveillance and mark hearing protection zones. There is an exposure limit value of 87dB(A).
Occupational noise risk assessment must take into account all noise exposure at work, including that from personal entertainment devices if employees are permitted to use them. The World Health Organisation 2018 Environmental Noise Guidelines highlights the risk of hearing loss from personal listening devices, recommending that yearly average noise exposure from all leisure noise sources combined should not exceed 70dB LAeq,24h
Risk Assessment and Employer Responsibilities
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the Noise Regulations) came into force for all industry sectors in Great Britain on 6 April 2006 and for the music and entertainment sectors on 6 April 2008. If employees may be exposed to significant levels of noise at work, employers must carry out a risk assessment. This assessment should identify any health and safety risks and the steps needed to protect workers and comply with the Regulations.
WBM provide a range of risk assessment options from measurement of employee noise exposure, providing advice on appropriate forms of hearing protection, the need for health surveillance and hearing protection zones and advising on solutions to reduce noise within the workplace through design, mitigation and / or organisational controls.
Noise at work services
Core acoustic services to support your project at every stage.
Other specialist sectors
WBM has long been associated with environmental, architectural and building acoustics both here in the UK and abroad.
FAQs
When do I need to carry out a noise risk assessment?
A noise risk assessment is usually required in relation to the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 or by the HSE.
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