Appendices

Appendix 1

Main provisions of the control of noise at work regulations 2005

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 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): Not applicable

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A): Yes

85 dB(A) or more: Yes

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. Ear 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

6. 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 Regulations, steps they should take to reduce the risks, and if exposed between 80 and 85 dB(A) how to obtain 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

7. 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

8. Use of Equipment

Take all reasonable steps to:

a. Use ear 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

9. Provide adequate information on the noise likely to be generated, if above 70dB(A)

Less than 80 dB(A): Yes

80 dB(A) to 85dB(A): Yes

85 dB(A) or more: Yes

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