Noise at Work

Occupational noise relates to levels of noise in the workplace. Noise induced hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational disease. With years of experience, Sharps Redmore have provided occupational noise exposure monitoring and reporting across a range of industries.

What is the purpose of an occupational noise assessment?

To ensure that employees are protected from excessive noise in their place of work, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 makes it a legal requirement of all employers to undertake a noise at work assessment if any employee is likely to be exposed to excessive levels of noise. An assessment of their exposure to noise must be made by a competent person to identify those at risk, determine exposure levels, implement noise reduction, and control measures where necessary.

A risk assessment must be undertaken for those likely to be exposed to a noise level at or above a lower exposure action value. The results of the assessment are then compared to the exposure action values and exposure limit value, as defined by the regulations.

How are occupational noise assessments conducted?

Sharps Redmore’s consultants offer services throughout the UK, which include:

• Dosimeters worn by a subject (particularly if the person is highly mobile), which can continuously monitor noise exposure over a shift for later transfer to a PC and data interpretation.
• Sound level meters conforming to Type 1 Specification, used for fixed-point measurements, measurements close to the operator, and for octave band frequency analysis and a hearing protection suitability assessment.

We consider the requirements of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, as enforced by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which states that a Noise at Work Assessment must be undertaken if an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above lower exposure action values.

The limits in the regulations are shown below:

Daily or weekly personal noise exposure               Peak sound pressure

Lower Exposure Action Value      80 dB(A)              135 dB(C)

Upper Exposure Action Values    85 dB(A)              137 dB(C)

Exposure Limit                                87 dB(A)               140 dB(C)

Where noise exposure levels vary significantly from day to day, a weekly exposure level can be calculated instead.

If you require a workplace assessment, or have been asked to provide one by the HSE, in the first instance contact our head office based in Ipswich to talk to a consultant about your individual  workplace site operations and  requirements.

Written by Martin Court, Senior Consultant.