New Noise at Work Regulations

The new Control of Noise at Work Regulations came into effect on the 6th April. You may have a problem if -

• Your employees are surrounded by noise for most of the working day.
• Employees have to raise their voices to be heard by someone two metres away.
• Employees use power tools or machinery for more than thirty minutes a day.
• Your industry is noisy, such as construction, road repair, engineering or manufacturing.

Employers must then -

• Reduce this noise exposure. Where the noise is at, or above, the Lower Exposure Action Value (80db), the employer must carry out a risk assessment of the health hazards which, if necessary, may include measurement of the levels of noise.
• Make hearing protection available if they cannot reduce the noise exposure enough through other methods (make hearing protection available on request at 80db and ensuring it is worn at 85db).
• Ensure noise exposure (87db daily or weekly exposure or peak sound pressure of 140db taking account of hearing protection) is not exceeded.
• Provide employees with information, instruction and training.
• Carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health.

Exposure levels may be assessed over a working day, or a week if exposure varies from day-to-day.