The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

What is 'The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005'?

'The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005' is a replacement to the existing Noise at Work Regulations 1989 and will come into force on the 6th April 2006.

The main difference between the new and the old regulations is that the allowable exposure levels have been reduced by 5dB (decibels). Other major changes relate to the control measures that need to be introduced to enable an overall reduction in noise within the workplace after a noise assessment has been conducted.

The new legislation will mean that an additional one million workers will require hearing protection by law!

How does the legislation affect your organisation?

The legislation will affect all UK organisations except those involved in the music and entertainment sectors (delayed until 6 April 2008) and for seagoing ships (6 April 2011).

The main action points are:

• Changes to the Noise Action Levels
  • Lower Exposure Action Values - now 80dB. Any employee that is exposed to this level of noise on a daily basis (average of an 8 hour day) can now request hearing protection and it must be made available for them. However - it is not compulsory that the employee should wear this.
  • Upper Exposure Action Values - now 85dB. Any employee that is exposed to this level of noise must be provided with hearing protection - and be made to wear it.
  • Exposure Limit Values - now 87dB (taking into account the reduction from hearing protection)
    
• Noise Risk Assessment & Control
  • Risk Assessment - Employers are required to ensure that the risks associated with exposure to noise are eliminated where this is reasonably practical. Such measures could include:
    • Assess the choice of equipment used to complete the task - could you use something quiete
    • Design and layout of work area - moving staff away from noisy machines
    • Suitable and sufficient training for staff to be aware of the issues associated with noise
    • Implementing shields, enclosures, coverings, dampening and isolation on machinery
    • Appropriate maintenance programmes - well-maintained machines are less noisy!
      
    Where elimination is not reasonably practical, then the employers must reduce the risks to as low a level as is reasonably practical
    
  • Limit Access - If the risk assessment indicates an employee is likely to be exposed at or above the Upper Exposure Value the employer should ensure that:
    • The area is designated a hearing protection zone.
    • The area is identified by means of signs specified for the purpose of indicating "Ear protection must be worn".
    • The sign shall be accompanied by text that indicates that the area is a hearing protection zone and employees must wear hearing protection within the zone.
    • Access to the zone is restricted
  Further information can be found at:-

www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm