Exposure to excessive noise can damage hearing. The first aim should be to reduce, so far as is reasonable practicable the exposure of any worker to the noise.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 state that where any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above a first action level of 80dB(A) for daily exposure and 135dB (C) for peak noise, a noise assessment is to be carried out and a record of the assessment kept.
In high noise environments, all personnel must be provided with suitable personal ear protectors and must wear these and any other protective measures provided. Ear Protection Zones should be established where an employee is likely to be exposed at or above 85dB(A). These zones will be demarcated by supervisors and identified by means of suitable notices (available from the SHE Group) which indicate the need for employees to wear personal ear protectors. Staff must not be exposed above a limit of 87dB(A) for daily exposure and 140dB (C) for peak noise.
For your guidance 80dB(A) is comparable to the noise levels in a busy street, crowded restaurant or a vacuum cleaner. At 85dB(A) you would typically have to shout to someone 2 metres away.
The SHE Group can carry out a noise assessment, provide the necessary records and give advice on measures that may enable hazardous levels to be reduced; they can also provide the ear protectors if these are advised.
A further hazard associated with noise is the possibility of being unable to hear warnings - bells, klaxon, shouts etc.. Whenever personnel are required to work in areas where the noise level or the wearing of ear protectors might prevent the wearer from hearing warning sounds, arrangements should be made for that person to be informed immediately an alarm is raised. Personnel should try to ensure that others are made aware of their entry to such an area.
