Exposure to high levels of noise can, over time, cause deafness and can also interfere with communication, which in turn can affect safety.

 

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Noise Regulations) require that any level of noise exposure must be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. In addition, the Noise Regulations set exposure limits and action values for personal exposure to noise.

The legislation requires employers to: -

• Assess the risks to employees from noise at work where exposure is liable to be at or above the lower exposure action value.

• Take action to eliminate or reduce the noise exposure that produces risks to employees as far as is reasonably practicable.

• Provide hearing protection if noise exposure cannot be reduced enough by other means.

• Ensure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded.

• Provide employees with information, instruction and training.

• Provide health surveillance where there is a risk to health.

 

A summary of the legal requirements is given in Appendix 1 according to the action value and limit trigger points.

 

The Noise Regulations require specific action which relates to the total exposure to noise by employees over a working day or week, and the peak sound pressure employees are exposed to during a working day. It may be appropriate to calculate personal noise exposure over a week rather than a day if employees’ noise exposure varies markedly from day to day.

 

A-weighted decibels, abbreviated to dB(A), is an expression of the relative loudness of sounds perceived by the human ear used to determine hearing damage, noise pollution and equipment noise levels.

 

C-weighted decibels, abbreviated to dB(C) are used for extremely loud or noisy environments, for example music performances or areas where the transmission of bass noise can be a problem.

 

The HSE defines the ‘Lower Exposure Action Value’ as the lower of the two levels or weekly personal noise exposure or of peak sound pressure set out in regulation 4 of the Noise Regulations which, if reached or exceeded, require specified action to be taken to reduce risk:

 

Lower Exposure Action Values

The lower exposure action values are

• Daily or weekly exposure of 80 dB(A).

• Peak sound pressure of 135dB(C).

‘Upper Exposure Action Value’ is defined as the higher of the two levels of daily or weekly personal noise exposure or of peak sound pressure set out in regulation 4 which, if reached or exceeded, require specified action to be taken to reduce risk:

 

Upper Exposure Action Values

The upper exposure action values are

• Daily or weekly exposure of 85 dB(A).

• Peak sound pressure of 137 dB(C).

 

Exposure Limit Values

These are the levels of noise exposure that must not be exceeded (taking into account any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection).

• Daily or weekly exposure of 87 dB(A).

• Peak sound pressure of 140 dB(C).

 

Below Lower Exposure Action Value

Even where noise is below 80 dB(A) there is a general duty to reduce noise levels to as low as reasonably practicable.

 

It is important to note that the decibel scale is a logarithmic scale, and therefore a 3dB rise in noise level represents a doubling of sound intensity i.e. 83 dB(A) is twice as intense as 80 dB(A). This means that the maximum personal daily exposure time at 80 dB(A) is 8 hours, but at 83dB(A) it is 4 hours of total exposure, at 86dB(A) 2 hours and so on, with a 95dB(A) level of noise having a maximum exposure time of only 15 minutes.

 

There are easy ways to tell if the noise is too loud:

• 60 dB(A) normal conversation

• 85 dB(A) you must shout to people two metres away

• 90 dB(A) you must shout to people one metre away

• 100 dB(A) you must shout to talk to people when head-to-head

• 110 dB(A) you must shout into the other person’s ear

• 120 dB(A) you can’t hear yourself shouting

 

Managers are responsible for identifying those activities where the lower exposure action levels are likely to be reached, and where they are, carrying out a risk assessment to decide what action is needed, develop a plan to control the risk, and act accordingly. Please refer to Health and Safety Policies and Procedures section 2.1: Risk Assessment Policy on BucksNet or SchoolsWeb.

 

For specific guidance on controlling noise during music education and performance, please refer to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Sound advice: Control of noise at work in music and entertainment - HSG260

 

In addition, there is a general duty to reduce the risk of hearing damage to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable, whatever the noise level.

 

To comply with the Noise Regulations:

• Identify, with assistance from the Health and Safety Team and in collaboration with affected employees, those who are likely to be exposed to noise levels at or above the Lower Action Value of 80dB(A).

• Where there is a possibility that the Lower Action Value may be reached, arrange for a formal noise assessment to take place to confirm the actual exposure to people.

• Based on the findings of the noise assessment and risk assessment introduce control measures which will comply with the Noise Regulations, e.g.

o Information, training, instruction and appropriate supervision.

o Reducing noise at source.

o Designating ear protection zones.

o Designing and laying out the workplace to create quiet workstations.

o Improved working techniques to reduce noise levels.

o Limiting the time people spend in noisy areas.

o Provision of ear protectors. The use of hearing protectors as with any personal protection equipment should be seen as a last resort.

• Put the risk assessment and control measures in writing and make it available to all employees who are exposed, ensuring ‘read and understood’ signatures are recorded.

• Ensure that all noise levels are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable by means other than the use of hearing protectors.

• Ensure health surveillance is carried out for any employees likely to be frequently exposed above the upper exposure action values, for example music teachers, or those who are at risk for any other reason, such as existing hearing loss or sensitivity to damage.

• Retain health records containing information on the outcome of health surveillance and fitness for work. Health records must be kept confidential.

• Ensure that the Noise Regulations are considered when purchasing or hiring any new equipment or machinery. Adopting a ‘buy quiet’ policy can be the most cost-effective long-term noise reduction measure. Before purchasing new equipment check manufacturers’ information on noise emissions, and make sure the data is representative of its intended use within your workplace.

• Ensure regular and reactive maintenance of machinery and equipment that takes account of noise and is in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

• Review noise assessments and the precautions adopted regularly to ensure they are still appropriate and adequate.

• If hearing protection is provided as part of the control measures, ensure you: do so in consultation with employees and that they provide a suitable protection factor - are sufficient to eliminate risks from noise but not so much protection that wearers become isolated; are properly maintained; are compatible with the work and working environment (e.g. physical activity, comfort and hygiene); and are compatible with other personal protective equipment (e.g. hard hats, masks and eye protection). You should only supply CE/UKCA-marked hearing protectors. Hearing protection should not be used as an alternative to controlling noise by technical and organisational means.

• If hearing protection has been provided to employees, ensure there is a system of appropriate supervision and training in place to ensure their correct use, which may include spot checks.

 

Employee Responsibilities

• Report to their manager any noise levels at work they consider to be excessive.

• Inform their line manager if they already suffer from hearing loss or are particularly sensitive to damage.

• Follow any control measures introduced to reduce exposure to noise.

• Use hearing protectors fully and properly, if provided, in designated areas.

• Take care of any hearing protection provided in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions, keep it clean and replace when necessary.

• Report to their line manager any defects in the noise-control measures and hearing protection which may compromise their noise reduction efficiency.

• Report any incompatibilities with other personal protection equipment which may make wearing uncomfortable.

 

Manufacturers and suppliers must provide details of the noise levels likely to be generated by plant or equipment where it is likely to cause a risk to hearing. The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations (SMR) require new equipment to be designed so the risks from noise are reduced to the lowest level. If the noise level from a machine remains high, despite applying all technical measures to control it, manufacturers must provide information so the equipment can be used without risk, for example, advice on hearing protection.

There are circumstances where noise which is not sufficiently loud to be covered by the Noise Regulations may still cause difficulties or discomfort to employees (so called ‘nuisance noise’). Such noise may affect concentration, make telephone conversations difficult, or lead to increased stress levels. Where employees report incidents of nuisance noise, managers should make every effort to tackle the sources of nuisance noise, taking expert advice where necessary.

Unless hearing protection is worn 100% of the time that a person is exposed to damaging noise levels the protection afforded is very limited. Listed below are a number of points which need to be considered if the use of hearing protectors is to be adopted:

• A choice of hearing protectors suitable for the noise to be protected against must be made available. One type of protector will not suit all people. If the protectors do not fit or are uncomfortable, they will not afford enough protection or will not be worn.

• The hearing protectors must be selected to protect against the particular noise environment. Different types of protectors give better protection against different noise frequencies.

• Other protective equipment (goggles, hard hats etc.) may interfere with the wearing of hearing protection. Special care is required in the selection of equipment in those cases.

• Hearing protectors which provide too much sound attenuation are almost as bad as those which do not provide enough. The higher the attenuation the more difficult communication etc. will be.

• Any hearing protectors must be individually issued and regularly inspected and maintained.

• The activities and areas which require the use of hearing protection must be clearly defined with legible mandatory signage displayed in accordance with The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 as appropriate.

• Training and education for those required to use hearing protection is essential to ensure that equipment is used correctly and that the dangers of exposure to high noise levels, even for short periods of time, is appreciated.

 

For general advice and information on arranging a noise survey please contact the Health and Safety Team at healthandsafety@buckinghamshire.gov.uk or 01296 674412.

 

Guidance on the selection of hearing protection is contained within the Health & Safety Policies and Procedures section 11: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

 

The HSE publication Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks provides further information on complying with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

 

Safety signs and signals. The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Guidance on Regulations L64 provides practical advice on how you can comply with the law on signage.

 

Appendix 1

MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CONTROL OF NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS 2005

 

Employers Duties

1. General Duty to Reduce Risk

Risk of exposure to noise to be eliminated at source or where this is not possible reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.

Less than 80 dB(A) Yes

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

2. Assessment of Noise Exposure

Assess the risks and record the main findings.

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

3. Noise Reduction

a. Reduce daily or weekly noise exposure (other than by use of hearing protectors) so far as is reasonably practicable.

Less than 80 dB(A) Yes

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Not applicable

b. Put in place a programme of organisational and technical measures to reduce exposure to as low as is reasonably practicable.

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Not applicable

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

4. Personal Hearing Protectors

Take all reasonable steps to:

a. Provide them to all employees who ask

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

b. Provide them to all exposed

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A)  Not applicable

85 dB(A) or more Yes

c. Maintain and replace them

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

d. Ensure their use

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Not applicable

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

5. Maintenance and Use of Equipment

Take all reasonable steps to:

a. Make sure the equipment is used (except for ear defenders provided between 80 and 85 dB(A).

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

b. Ensure equipment is maintained

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

Provision of Information to Employees (and other persons affected)

a. Provide information, instruction and training to employees about risks to hearing, their obligations under the Noise Regulations, steps they should take to reduce the risks, and if exposed between 80 and 85 dB(A) how to obtain personal ear protectors.

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

b. Mark ear protection zones with notices so far as is reasonably practicable and ensure hearing protection is worn by anyone who enters, however short the period.

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Not applicable

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

6. Health Surveillance

a. Provide health surveillance (regular hearing tests) to employees.

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Not applicable

85 dB(A) or more Yes

b. Keep records of health checks

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Not applicable

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

Employees Duties

7. Use of Equipment

Take all reasonable steps to:

a. Use personal hearing protectors

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Not applicable

85 dB(A) or more Yes

b. Use any other measures provided by the employer

Less than 80 dB(A) Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

c. Report any defects

Less than 80 dB(A) Yes

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

Machine Makers and Suppliers Duties

8. Provide adequate information on the noise likely to be generated, if above 70dB(A) or peak noise at workstations if it exceeds 130 dB(C)

Less than 80 dB(A) Yes

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A) Yes

85 dB(A) or more Yes

 

PLUS

There is an overall requirement to prevent daily or weekly personal noise exposure above 87dB(A), (or 140dB(C) peak sound pressure level) taking into account any hearing protection worn.