Controlling noise at work

Loud noise at work can damage hearing and it usually happens gradually. More than a million employees in Great Britain are exposed to levels of noise which put their hearing at risk, according to the HSE. Workers who are exposed to noisy powered tools or machinery; explosive sources such as cartridge operated tools or detonators, or guns; and noise from impacts such as hammering, drop forging, pneumatic impact tools are among those at risk to damage to their hearing.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are based on the EU Physical Agents (Noise) Directive and aim to ensure that workers’ hearing is protected from excessive noise at their place of work which could cause them to lose their hearing and/or to suffer from tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears).

They define “lower” and “upper” exposure action values (EAVs) — levels of noise exposure which, if exceeded, require employers to take specific action.

They cover virtually all workplaces with few exceptions, including workplaces where the risk of noise may not be immediately obvious. For example, they apply to groups of workers exposed to noise through headphones, such as call-centre workers. They include provisions requiring employers to consult with safety reps on risk assessments, on actions to reduce risk, and on the choice of hearing protection.