Noise at Work Assessment - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 09:24, 3 November 2022

2022-11-03T09:24:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:24, 3 November 2022
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	* Airborne sound.		* Airborne sound.
		+	* Assistive listening system.
	* Building acoustics.		* Building acoustics.
	* Control of noise at work regulations 2005.		* Control of noise at work regulations 2005.
		+	* Deaf person
	* Decibel.		* Decibel.
−	* Environmental health.
	* Impact sound.		* Impact sound.
−	* Injuries on construction sites.
	* Noise.		* Noise.
	* Noise level.		* Noise level.

Editor at 16:40, 24 December 2021

2021-12-24T16:40:03Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:40, 24 December 2021
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	Article reproduced from [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com/insights/noise-at-work-assessments-explained Noise at Work Assessments Explained] by [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com ParkerJones Acoustics]		Article reproduced from [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com/insights/noise-at-work-assessments-explained Noise at Work Assessments Explained] by [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com ParkerJones Acoustics]

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Airborne sound.		* Airborne sound.
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	* Injuries on construction sites.		* Injuries on construction sites.
	* Noise.		* Noise.
		+	* Noise level.
	* Personal protective equipment.		* Personal protective equipment.
	* Reverberation.		* Reverberation.

Designing Buildings at 07:07, 3 February 2021

2021-02-03T07:07:47Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:07, 3 February 2021
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	* What hours are construction sites allowed to operate?		* What hours are construction sites allowed to operate?

−	[[Category:~~Regulations~~]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Design]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 12:13, 26 February 2020

2020-02-26T12:13:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:13, 26 February 2020
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−	[[File:Earmuffs-~~2755553 640~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Earmuffs-2755553_640.jpg\|link=File:Earmuffs-2755553_640.jpg]]

	= Introduction =		= Introduction =
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	* Injuries on construction sites.		* Injuries on construction sites.
	* Noise.		* Noise.
		+	* Personal protective equipment.
	* Reverberation.		* Reverberation.
	* Sound absorption.		* Sound absorption.
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	* What hours are construction sites allowed to operate?		* What hours are construction sites allowed to operate?

−	[[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Design]]	+	[[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:DCN_Regulation]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 12:11, 26 February 2020

2020-02-26T12:11:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:11, 26 February 2020
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		+	[[File:Earmuffs-2755553 640.jpg]]
		+
	= Introduction =		= Introduction =

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	* Impact sound.		* Impact sound.
	* Injuries on construction sites.		* Injuries on construction sites.
		+	* Noise.
	* Reverberation.		* Reverberation.
	* Sound absorption.		* Sound absorption.

Designing Buildings at 12:07, 26 February 2020

2020-02-26T12:07:58Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:07, 26 February 2020
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	= Information, instruction, and training =		= Information, instruction, and training =

−	Regulation 10 of the NAW Regulations ~~indicates~~ that the employer must provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV. It is important for the employer to tell employees:	+	Regulation 10 of the NAW Regulations states that the employer must provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV. It is important for the employer to tell employees:

−	• their likely level of noise exposure and the health risk this carries;~~<br />~~	+	* their likely level of noise exposure and the health risk this carries;
−	• what the employer is doing to control risks and exposure to noise;~~<br />~~	+	* what the employer is doing to control risks and exposure to noise;
−	• when and how the employee can obtain hearing protection and when they should use it;~~<br />~~	+	* when and how the employee can obtain hearing protection and when they should use it;
−	• how the employee should be using hearing protection and noise control equipment in the correct way to ~~minimize~~ their risk, and how they can identify and report defects;~~<br />~~	+	* how the employee should be using hearing protection and noise control equipment in the correct way to minimise their risk, and how they can identify and report defects;
−	• what the employees’ duties are under the NAW Regulations; ~~and<br />~~	+	* what the employees’ duties are under the NAW Regulations;
−	• how the employer is providing a health surveillance system; and~~<br />~~	+	* how the employer is providing a health surveillance system; and
−	• what symptoms of hearing damage the employee should look out for, and to whom and how they should report this.	+	* what symptoms of hearing damage the employee should look out for, and to whom and how they should report this.

−	This information, instruction, and training can be provided in any way, providing the employee can find it easy to understand. The HSE’s ‘Noise: Don’t lose your hearing!’ ~~pocked~~ card can be handed out to supplement this.	+	This information, instruction, and training can be provided in any way, providing the employee can find it easy to understand. The HSE’s ‘Noise: Don’t lose your hearing!’ pocket card can be handed out to supplement this.

	It is also a requirement to discuss the risk assessment and all plans relating to controlling noise exposure with a trade union-appointed safety representative, or for groups of workers not covered by this, an elected employee representative.		It is also a requirement to discuss the risk assessment and all plans relating to controlling noise exposure with a trade union-appointed safety representative, or for groups of workers not covered by this, an elected employee representative.

−	=== Health ~~Surveillance ==~~=	+	= Health surveillance =

−	Regulation 9 of the NAW Regulations state that there is significant evidence which links ~~the~~ regular exposure to noise levels above the exposure action values to long term health risks and hearing damage. Therefore, the employer should provide health surveillance to:	+	Regulation 9 of the NAW Regulations state that there is significant evidence which links regular exposure to noise levels above the exposure action values to long-term health risks and hearing damage. Therefore, the employer should provide health surveillance to:

−	• all employees who are regularly exposed to noise levels above the upper exposure action values (UEAV); or~~<br />~~	+	* all employees who are regularly exposed to noise levels above the upper exposure action values (UEAV); or
−	• employees who are occasionally exposed above the UEAV, or who are exposed between the lower (LEAV) and upper (UEAV) thresholds but who are known to be particularly sensitive to noise, i.e. from medical history, audiometric testing or a history of noise exposure at previous jobs, or a family history of early-onset deafness.	+	* employees who are occasionally exposed above the UEAV, or who are exposed between the lower (LEAV) and upper (UEAV) thresholds but who are known to be particularly sensitive to noise, i.e. from medical history, audiometric testing or a history of noise exposure at previous jobs, or a family history of early-onset deafness.

−	Health surveillance is a programme of health checks which usually involves regular hearing checks (audiometric testing), keeping health records, and referring employees to a doctor if/when hearing damage is identified. It is useful in ~~waring~~ employees if they exhibit early signs of hearing damage to give the opportunity to do something to prevent the damage from getting worse. It is also effective for the employer to identify whether noise control measures are working.	+	Health surveillance is a programme of health checks which usually involves regular hearing checks (audiometric testing), keeping health records, and referring employees to a doctor if/when hearing damage is identified. It is useful in warning employees if they exhibit early signs of hearing damage to give the opportunity to do something to prevent the damage from getting worse. It is also effective for the employer to identify whether noise control measures are working.

	Surveillance can be introduced at any time for existing employees and should be introduced straightaway for new employees, to allow a baseline to be taken. Annual checks for the first two years (followed by three-yearly checks after this unless a problem is detected or the risk of hearing damage is high) should be conducted by someone with appropriate training, with the whole surveillance programme under the control of an occupational health professional.		Surveillance can be introduced at any time for existing employees and should be introduced straightaway for new employees, to allow a baseline to be taken. Annual checks for the first two years (followed by three-yearly checks after this unless a problem is detected or the risk of hearing damage is high) should be conducted by someone with appropriate training, with the whole surveillance programme under the control of an occupational health professional.

−	== Ongoing ~~Assessments =~~=	+	= Ongoing assessments =

	Regulation 5 of the NAW Regulations indicate that the employer should implement an ongoing control programme in managing noise exposure risks. It may be necessary to review and produce an updated risk assessment when circumstances change, for example, if:		Regulation 5 of the NAW Regulations indicate that the employer should implement an ongoing control programme in managing noise exposure risks. It may be necessary to review and produce an updated risk assessment when circumstances change, for example, if:

−	• circumstances change in the workplace, i.e. new equipment is installed, older machinery ceases to be used, shift patterns are changed, any reason that employees’ level of noise exposure may have changed;~~<br />~~	+	* circumstances change in the workplace, i.e. new equipment is installed, older machinery ceases to be used, shift patterns are changed, any reason that employees’ level of noise exposure may have changed;
−	• noise control measures have been implemented since the previous assessment and the impact on employees’ exposure needs to be re-assessed;~~<br />~~	+	* noise control measures have been implemented since the previous assessment and the impact on employees’ exposure needs to be re-assessed;
−	• the employer becomes aware of improved working methods and noise-control techniques that are new to the industry and could be applied to the workplace;~~<br />~~	+	* the employer becomes aware of improved working methods and noise-control techniques that are new to the industry and could be applied to the workplace;
−	• control measures that could not be implemented at the time of the original assessment become more viable to do so, i.e. because of new technology or reduced costs; and/or~~<br />~~	+	* control measures that could not be implemented at the time of the original assessment become more viable to do so, i.e. because of new technology or reduced costs; and/or
−	• continued health surveillance shows that employees’ hearing is being damaged, suggesting that noise control methods are not being properly implemented or are not effective enough.	+	* continued health surveillance shows that employees’ hearing is being damaged, suggesting that noise control methods are not being properly implemented or are not effective enough.

−	The NAW Regulations ~~indicate~~ that even if none of the points above are true, the assessment should still be reviewed at least every two years.	+	The NAW Regulations suggest that even if none of the points above are true, the assessment should still be reviewed at least every two years.

		+	-----
	Article reproduced from [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com/insights/noise-at-work-assessments-explained Noise at Work Assessments Explained] by [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com ParkerJones Acoustics]		Article reproduced from [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com/insights/noise-at-work-assessments-explained Noise at Work Assessments Explained] by [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com ParkerJones Acoustics]
		+
		+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
		+
		+	* Airborne sound.
		+	* Building acoustics.
		+	* Control of noise at work regulations 2005.
		+	* Decibel.
		+	* Environmental health.
		+	* Impact sound.
		+	* Injuries on construction sites.
		+	* Reverberation.
		+	* Sound absorption.
		+	* Sound frequency.
		+	* Sound v noise.
		+	* Structure-borne sound.
		+	* What hours are construction sites allowed to operate?

	[[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Design]]		[[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Design]]

Designing Buildings at 12:00, 26 February 2020

2020-02-26T12:00:59Z

Designing Buildings at 11:53, 26 February 2020

2020-02-26T11:53:39Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:53, 26 February 2020
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−	= ~~The Control of Noise at Work Regulations~~ =	+	= Introduction =

−	The ‘Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ (‘the NAW Regulations’) ~~sets~~ out the legal requirements ~~in respect of~~ protecting employees against risks to their health and safety arising from exposure to noise whilst at work. The aim of the NAW Regulations is to protect workers from suffering long term hearing damage and tinnitus as a result of prolonged exposure to high noise levels in the workplace.	+	The ‘Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ (‘the NAW Regulations’) set out the legal requirements for protecting employees against risks to their health and safety arising from exposure to noise whilst at work. The aim of the NAW Regulations is to protect workers from suffering long term hearing damage and tinnitus as a result of prolonged exposure to high noise levels in the workplace.

−	== What must an employer do? ==	+	= What must an employer do? =

	The NAW Regulations apply to all workplaces and mean that employers are legally obliged to risk assess the exposure of their employees’ exposure to noise within the working environment. The employer must employ appropriate control measures to reduce noise exposure where necessary.		The NAW Regulations apply to all workplaces and mean that employers are legally obliged to risk assess the exposure of their employees’ exposure to noise within the working environment. The employer must employ appropriate control measures to reduce noise exposure where necessary.

−	Regulation 5 of the NAW Regulations states that a detailed Noise at Work Risk Assessment ~~(the purpose of this document)~~ must be undertaken if an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above lower exposure action values. This may occur if a workplace is considered to be noisier than everyday life.	+	Regulation 5 of the NAW Regulations states that a detailed Noise at Work Risk Assessment must be undertaken if an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above lower exposure action values. This may occur if a workplace is considered to be noisier than everyday life.

−	== Noise ~~Exposure Action Values~~/~~Limits =~~=	+	= Noise exposure action values/limits =

−	In accordance with Regulation 4 of the NAW Regulations, a set of noise exposure action values are set which relate to the average levels of noise exposure over a working day or week, and the peak sound pressure exposure to which employees are exposed to in a working day. ~~In summary:~~	+	In accordance with Regulation 4 of the NAW Regulations, a set of noise exposure action values are set which relate to the average levels of noise exposure over a working day or week, and the peak sound pressure exposure to which employees are exposed to in a working day.

−	~~• ‘exposure~~ action values’ are ~~the~~ levels of exposure to noise at which employees can be exposed to, but employers are required to take certain actions to mitigate this risk, including the provision of hearing protection~~; and<br />~~	+	In summary:
−	~~• ‘exposure~~ limit values’ are ~~the~~ levels of noise exposure at which an employee must not be exposed to, after taking into account the noise reduction provided by personal hearing protection.	+
		+	* ‘Exposure action values’ are levels of exposure to noise which employees can be exposed to, but employers are required to take certain actions to mitigate this risk, including the provision of hearing protection.
		+	* ‘Exposure limit values’ are levels of noise exposure which an employee must not be exposed to, after taking into account the noise reduction provided by personal hearing protection.

	As per Regulation 4, the following exposure action and limit values are defined:		As per Regulation 4, the following exposure action and limit values are defined:
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	\|}		\|}

−	== What do these action values mean? ~~How do I mitigate noise? =~~=	+	= What do these action values mean? =

	In summary, if the noise exposure action values are exceeded then the employer may be required to		In summary, if the noise exposure action values are exceeded then the employer may be required to

−	* reduce the noise exposure that produces these risks to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by either	+	* reduce the noise exposure that produces these risks to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by either:
−	** reducing noise at source, i.e. by using quieter equipment, a different process, engineering controls, etc.;	+
−	** reducing noise levels in the facility, i.e. through sound absorption, keeping noisy machinery away from quieter areas, screens, barriers, or enclosures; and/or	+	# reducing noise at source, i.e. by using quieter equipment, a different process, engineering controls, etc.;
−	** implementing organisational measures which reduce the length of time that employees are exposed to noise, i.e. turning off equipment when not in use, introducing job rotation so employees are doing a mixture of ~~noise~~ and quiet tasks rather than spending all day working with high noise level equipment;	+	# reducing noise levels in the facility, i.e. through sound absorption, keeping noisy machinery away from quieter areas, screens, barriers, or enclosures; and/or
		+	# implementing organisational measures which reduce the length of time that employees are exposed to noise, i.e. turning off equipment when not in use, introducing job rotation so employees are doing a mixture of noisy and quiet tasks rather than spending all day working with high noise level equipment;
		+
	* provide employees with hearing protection if the noise exposure cannot be reduced enough by the aforementioned measures and the noise levels remain above the exposure action values;		* provide employees with hearing protection if the noise exposure cannot be reduced enough by the aforementioned measures and the noise levels remain above the exposure action values;
	* provide employees with information, instruction, and training on noise in the workplace; and		* provide employees with information, instruction, and training on noise in the workplace; and
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	Paragraph 66 of Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations indicates that the employer should generally be seeking to reduce the risk of noise exposure irrespective of whether any exposure action values are exceeded. It may also be necessary to carry out ongoing reviews to the risk assessment at set periods, or when circumstances change.		Paragraph 66 of Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations indicates that the employer should generally be seeking to reduce the risk of noise exposure irrespective of whether any exposure action values are exceeded. It may also be necessary to carry out ongoing reviews to the risk assessment at set periods, or when circumstances change.

−	=== Organisational and ~~Technical Measures~~ of ~~Noise Reduction ==~~=	+	= Organisational and technical measures of noise reduction =

	Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations indicates that “the employer shall ensure that risk from the exposure of his employees to noise is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable….. If any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity.” The table below provides examples of such measures.		Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations indicates that “the employer shall ensure that risk from the exposure of his employees to noise is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable….. If any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity.” The table below provides examples of such measures.
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	{\|		{\|
−	~~\|width="50%"~~\| A-Weighted Noise Level (dB(A)) 1	+	\| A-Weighted Noise Level (dB(A)) 1
−	~~\|width="50%"~~\| Select a protector with an SNR of…	+	\| Select a protector with an SNR of…
	\|-		\|-
	\| 85 – 90		\| 85 – 90

ParkerJonesAcoustics at 17:32, 10 February 2020

2020-02-10T17:32:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:32, 10 February 2020
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	Table 1 – Definition of the exposure action and limit values		Table 1 – Definition of the exposure action and limit values

−	Action Level	+	{\|
−		+	\|width="33%"\| Action Level
−	Threshold Values	+	\|width="33%"\| Threshold Values
−		+	\|width="33%"\| Actions Required if Thresholds Exceeded
−	Actions Required if Thresholds Exceeded	+	\|-
−		+	\| Lower Exposure Action Value(LEAV)
−	Lower Exposure Action Value(LEAV)	+	\|
−		+
	· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 80 dB(A).		· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 80 dB(A).

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	(these limits do not account for hearing protection)		(these limits do not account for hearing protection)
−		+	\|
	In the first instance, the employer should explore other methods of reducing noise levels to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. If the LEAV is still exceeded, then hearing protection is recommended and the employer must provide personal hearing protectors upon the request of any employee in this exposure category (though it must not be compulsory for the employee to wear them unless they are in a designated Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ).		In the first instance, the employer should explore other methods of reducing noise levels to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. If the LEAV is still exceeded, then hearing protection is recommended and the employer must provide personal hearing protectors upon the request of any employee in this exposure category (though it must not be compulsory for the employee to wear them unless they are in a designated Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ).

	The employer must also provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV.		The employer must also provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV.
−		+	\|-
−	Upper Exposure Action Value(UEAV)	+	\| Upper Exposure Action Value(UEAV)
−		+	\|
	· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 85 dB(A).		· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 85 dB(A).

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	(these limits do not account for hearing protection)		(these limits do not account for hearing protection)
−		+	\| The employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity (see following subsections).If the UEAV is still exceeded, then hearing protection is compulsory to employees in this exposure category and must be supplied by the employer. If a particular area is above the UEAV, then this area must be designated as a HPZ. The employers must ensure that affected employees or employees entering the HPZ use hearing protection, who also have a duty to protect themselves.
−	The employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity (see following subsections).If the UEAV is still exceeded, then hearing protection is compulsory to employees in this exposure category and must be supplied by the employer. If a particular area is above the UEAV, then this area must be designated as a HPZ. The employers must ensure that affected employees or employees entering the HPZ use hearing protection, who also have a duty to protect themselves.	+	\|-
−		+	\| Exposure Limit Value (ELV)
−	Exposure Limit Value (ELV)	+	\|
−		+	- a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 87 dB(A).
−	· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 87 dB(A).	+

	· a peak sound pressure level (LCPeak) of 140 dB(C).		· a peak sound pressure level (LCPeak) of 140 dB(C).

	(the effect of personal hearing protection is accounted for in these limits)		(the effect of personal hearing protection is accounted for in these limits)
−		+	\|
	Employees must not be permitted to be exposed above the exposure limits (after accounting for the noise reduction provided by personal hearing protection).		Employees must not be permitted to be exposed above the exposure limits (after accounting for the noise reduction provided by personal hearing protection).

	Action must be taken immediately to reduce exposure if this limit has been exceeded. The employer must review the programme of control measures, considering the technical and organisational controls, the adequacy of any hearing protection supplied and systems in place that ensures noise-control measures and hearing protection are properly used and maintained.		Action must be taken immediately to reduce exposure if this limit has been exceeded. The employer must review the programme of control measures, considering the technical and organisational controls, the adequacy of any hearing protection supplied and systems in place that ensures noise-control measures and hearing protection are properly used and maintained.
		+	\|}

		+	{\|
		+	\|width="100%"\|
	1 These limits can also apply to a weekly personal exposure level (LEP,w)		1 These limits can also apply to a weekly personal exposure level (LEP,w)

	2 It may be necessary to conduct ongoing health surveillance for the exceedance of the LEAV and UEAV.		2 It may be necessary to conduct ongoing health surveillance for the exceedance of the LEAV and UEAV.
		+	\|}

	== What do these action values mean? How do I mitigate noise? ==		== What do these action values mean? How do I mitigate noise? ==
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	Table 3: Required protection factors for hearing protection		Table 3: Required protection factors for hearing protection

−	A-Weighted Noise Level (dB(A)) 1	+	{\|
−		+	\|width="50%"\| A-Weighted Noise Level (dB(A)) 1
−	Select a protector with an SNR of…	+	\|width="50%"\| Select a protector with an SNR of…
−		+	\|-
−	85 – 90	+	\| 85 – 90
−		+	\| ≤20
−	≤20	+	\|-
−		+	\| 90 – 95
−	90 – 95	+	\| 20 – 30
−		+	\|-
−	20 – 30	+	\| 95 – 100
−		+	\| 25 – 35
−	95 – 100	+	\|-
−		+	\| 100 – 105
−	25 – 35	+	\| ≥30
−		+	\|}
−	100 – 105	+
−		+
−	≥30	+

		+	{\|
		+	\|width="100%"\|
	1 Based on instantaneous noise levels, not the daily personal noise exposure.		1 Based on instantaneous noise levels, not the daily personal noise exposure.

	– Higher levels of protection can be achieved through dual protection, i.e. wearing ear-muffs over ear-plugs.		– Higher levels of protection can be achieved through dual protection, i.e. wearing ear-muffs over ear-plugs.
		+	\|}

	There are several other factors that influence the choice of which type of hearing protector an employee may wish to use, as outlined in Part 5 of the NAW Regulations, which also state that “wherever possible the employer should make more than one type of protector available (making sure that each is suitable for the noise and jobs to be done) to allow the user a personal choice”.		There are several other factors that influence the choice of which type of hearing protector an employee may wish to use, as outlined in Part 5 of the NAW Regulations, which also state that “wherever possible the employer should make more than one type of protector available (making sure that each is suitable for the noise and jobs to be done) to allow the user a personal choice”.

ParkerJonesAcoustics: Created page with "= The Control of Noise at Work Regulations = The ‘Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ (‘the NAW Regulations’) sets out the legal requirements in respect of protec..."

2020-02-10T17:28:12Z

Created page with "= The Control of Noise at Work Regulations = The ‘Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ (‘the NAW Regulations’) sets out the legal requirements in respect of protec..."

New page

= The Control of Noise at Work Regulations =

The ‘Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ (‘the NAW Regulations’) sets out the legal requirements in respect of protecting employees against risks to their health and safety arising from exposure to noise whilst at work. The aim of the NAW Regulations is to protect workers from suffering long term hearing damage and tinnitus as a result of prolonged exposure to high noise levels in the workplace.

== What must an employer do? ==

The NAW Regulations apply to all workplaces and mean that employers are legally obliged to risk assess the exposure of their employees’ exposure to noise within the working environment. The employer must employ appropriate control measures to reduce noise exposure where necessary.

Regulation 5 of the NAW Regulations states that a detailed Noise at Work Risk Assessment (the purpose of this document) must be undertaken if an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above lower exposure action values. This may occur if a workplace is considered to be noisier than everyday life.

== Noise Exposure Action Values/Limits ==

In accordance with Regulation 4 of the NAW Regulations, a set of noise exposure action values are set which relate to the average levels of noise exposure over a working day or week, and the peak sound pressure exposure to which employees are exposed to in a working day. In summary:

• ‘exposure action values’ are the levels of exposure to noise at which employees can be exposed to, but employers are required to take certain actions to mitigate this risk, including the provision of hearing protection; and 
• ‘exposure limit values’ are the levels of noise exposure at which an employee must not be exposed to, after taking into account the noise reduction provided by personal hearing protection.

As per Regulation 4, the following exposure action and limit values are defined:

Table 1 – Definition of the exposure action and limit values

Action Level

Threshold Values

Actions Required if Thresholds Exceeded

Lower Exposure Action Value(LEAV)

· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 80 dB(A).

· a peak sound pressure level (LCPeak) of 135 dB(C).

(these limits do not account for hearing protection)

In the first instance, the employer should explore other methods of reducing noise levels to as low a level as is reasonably practicable. If the LEAV is still exceeded, then hearing protection is recommended and the employer must provide personal hearing protectors upon the request of any employee in this exposure category (though it must not be compulsory for the employee to wear them unless they are in a designated Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ).

The employer must also provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV.

Upper Exposure Action Value(UEAV)

· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 85 dB(A).

· a peak sound pressure level (LCPeak) of 137 dB(C).

(these limits do not account for hearing protection)

The employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity (see following subsections).If the UEAV is still exceeded, then hearing protection is compulsory to employees in this exposure category and must be supplied by the employer. If a particular area is above the UEAV, then this area must be designated as a HPZ. The employers must ensure that affected employees or employees entering the HPZ use hearing protection, who also have a duty to protect themselves.

Exposure Limit Value (ELV)

· a daily personal exposure level (LEP,d)1 of 87 dB(A).

· a peak sound pressure level (LCPeak) of 140 dB(C).

(the effect of personal hearing protection is accounted for in these limits)

Employees must not be permitted to be exposed above the exposure limits (after accounting for the noise reduction provided by personal hearing protection).

Action must be taken immediately to reduce exposure if this limit has been exceeded. The employer must review the programme of control measures, considering the technical and organisational controls, the adequacy of any hearing protection supplied and systems in place that ensures noise-control measures and hearing protection are properly used and maintained.

1 These limits can also apply to a weekly personal exposure level (LEP,w)

2 It may be necessary to conduct ongoing health surveillance for the exceedance of the LEAV and UEAV.

== What do these action values mean? How do I mitigate noise? ==

In summary, if the noise exposure action values are exceeded then the employer may be required to

* reduce the noise exposure that produces these risks to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by either
** reducing noise at source, i.e. by using quieter equipment, a different process, engineering controls, etc.;
** reducing noise levels in the facility, i.e. through sound absorption, keeping noisy machinery away from quieter areas, screens, barriers, or enclosures; and/or
** implementing organisational measures which reduce the length of time that employees are exposed to noise, i.e. turning off equipment when not in use, introducing job rotation so employees are doing a mixture of noise and quiet tasks rather than spending all day working with high noise level equipment;
* provide employees with hearing protection if the noise exposure cannot be reduced enough by the aforementioned measures and the noise levels remain above the exposure action values;
* provide employees with information, instruction, and training on noise in the workplace; and
* carry out health surveillance where there is a risk because of exposure to loud noise.

Paragraph 66 of Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations indicates that the employer should generally be seeking to reduce the risk of noise exposure irrespective of whether any exposure action values are exceeded. It may also be necessary to carry out ongoing reviews to the risk assessment at set periods, or when circumstances change.

=== Organisational and Technical Measures of Noise Reduction ===

Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations indicates that “the employer shall ensure that risk from the exposure of his employees to noise is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable….. If any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity.” The table below provides examples of such measures.

Table 2: Methods of controlling noise through organisational and technical measures

{|
|width="50%"| Action
|width="50%"| Example Measures
|-
| Reduce noise levels at source
|
* Sourcing quieter alternative equipment.
* Using a different quieter working process that achieves the same production outcome.
* Implement a maintenance programme to ensure that noise levels are not significantly raised from poorly maintained and old equipment.
* Apply noise silencing or vibration dampening parts to existing equipment.
* Using anti-vibration mounts to isolate the equipment from the structure to reduce structure-borne noise throughout a building.
* Attaching silencers to noisy air or gas stream inlets and exhausts.
* Fitting a noise enclosure around the machine (or the noisy part of a machine).
* Using active noise control systems around equipment that are particularly noisy at low frequency.
|-
| Reduce noise propagation throughout the workplace
|
* Placing noise equipment in an area with fewer employees and therefore limiting exposure to workers who are not directly operating this equipment.
* Increasing the distance between the source of noise and the operator/other works, which could be achieved by a remote control panel in some cases.
* Directing the noisiest parts of the equipment (i.e. the exhaust of a compressed air system) away from the working area.
* Using screens and barriers between the sound source and people, to reduce direct sound.
* Providing a ‘noise haven’ for employees, including operators, where controlling noise levels at source would be difficult.
* Providing rest facilities where the level of noise exposure is low.
* Reducing the ‘reverberation time’ in the building by adding acoustically absorbent material, either retrofitting acoustic panelling/suspended baffles or by using absorbent surface finishes (such as ceiling tiles and perforated metal roof liners).
|-
| Organisational controls
|
* Only operating equipment when strictly necessary and not leaving noisy equipment to idle.
* Reducing the number of employees working in noisy areas.
* Introducing job rotation so employees are doing a mixture of noise and quiet tasks rather than spending all day working with high noise level equipment.
* Training employees on how to reduce their risk to noise exposure, and potentially developing in-house skills noise control, to ensure that workers are able to identify when equipment is producing louder than usual noise levels and how they might be able to reduce this.
* Generally limiting the duration and intensity of exposure to noise, and having appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods.
|}

=== Personal Hearing Protection ===

After the measures with Regulation 6 (summarised in the previous subsection) have been explored, the next step is to consider providing personal hearing protection.

Regulation 7 of the NAW Regulations indicate that hearing protection is compulsory for employees exposed to levels above the upper exposure action value (UEAV), though this is not compulsory during the quieter times of the day or if the employee is in a quiet area. It is also compulsory for any employee entering a Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ).

Hearing protection is not compulsory for employees exposed to levels below the UEAV. It is not beneficial to enforce employees to wear hearing protection when not necessary, as this can lead to isolation, decreased communication, uncomfortable working conditions and a decreased ability to hear alarms and sirens.

It is also not strictly beneficial to use hearing protectors which overprotect, for the reasons above. The main aim of hearing protection is to reduce noise levels at the ear to below at least the UEAV (85 dB(A)), but they should be avoided if they reduce noise levels to below 70 dB(A).

The table below shows the ‘single number rating’ (SNR) protection factor that is likely to be suitable for different levels of noise. The SNR value is typically stated with the hearing protection device. This is based upon the information in the NAW Regulations, and in BS EN 458:2004: Hearing protectors.

Table 3: Required protection factors for hearing protection

A-Weighted Noise Level (dB(A)) 1

Select a protector with an SNR of…

85 – 90

≤20

90 – 95

20 – 30

95 – 100

25 – 35

100 – 105

≥30

1 Based on instantaneous noise levels, not the daily personal noise exposure.

– Higher levels of protection can be achieved through dual protection, i.e. wearing ear-muffs over ear-plugs.

There are several other factors that influence the choice of which type of hearing protector an employee may wish to use, as outlined in Part 5 of the NAW Regulations, which also state that “wherever possible the employer should make more than one type of protector available (making sure that each is suitable for the noise and jobs to be done) to allow the user a personal choice”.

Employees are often reluctant to use hearing protection, are forgetful, or do not apply protection correctly. A programme of monitoring, supervision, warning notices, instruction, and training is needed to ensure they are used. It is also important that a system of maintenance is employed, to ensure that the hearing protection maintains its level of noise reduction and does not become defective over time.

=== Hearing Protection Zones (HPZ) ===

Regulation 7 of the NAW Regulations indicates If any area in the workplace is likely to be exposed to noise levels at or above the upper exposure action value (UEAV) then the employer must ensure that:

• the area is designated a Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ); 
• the area is demarcated and identified by means of the sign specified for the purpose of indicating that ear protection must be worn; 
• access to the area is restricted where this is practicable and the risk from exposure justifies it; and 
• no employee enters that area unless that employee is wearing personal hearing protectors, so far as is reasonably practicable.

The boundaries of HPZs should be considered carefully, i.e. they should avoid overlapping commonly used walkways and should not extend further than is necessary to protect people carrying out their normal work. In situations where the boundaries of a zone cannot be marked, then attaching hearing protection zone signs to specific tools is an appropriate alternative.

=== Information, Instruction, and Training ===

Regulation 10 of the NAW Regulations indicates that the employer must provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV. It is important for the employer to tell employees:

• their likely level of noise exposure and the health risk this carries; 
• what the employer is doing to control risks and exposure to noise; 
• when and how the employee can obtain hearing protection and when they should use it; 
• how the employee should be using hearing protection and noise control equipment in the correct way to minimize their risk, and how they can identify and report defects; 
• what the employees’ duties are under the NAW Regulations; and 
• how the employer is providing a health surveillance system; and 
• what symptoms of hearing damage the employee should look out for, and to whom and how they should report this.

This information, instruction, and training can be provided in any way, providing the employee can find it easy to understand. The HSE’s ‘Noise: Don’t lose your hearing!’ pocked card can be handed out to supplement this.

It is also a requirement to discuss the risk assessment and all plans relating to controlling noise exposure with a trade union-appointed safety representative, or for groups of workers not covered by this, an elected employee representative.

=== Health Surveillance ===

Regulation 9 of the NAW Regulations state that there is significant evidence which links the regular exposure to noise levels above the exposure action values to long term health risks and hearing damage. Therefore, the employer should provide health surveillance to:

• all employees who are regularly exposed to noise levels above the upper exposure action values (UEAV); or 
• employees who are occasionally exposed above the UEAV, or who are exposed between the lower (LEAV) and upper (UEAV) thresholds but who are known to be particularly sensitive to noise, i.e. from medical history, audiometric testing or a history of noise exposure at previous jobs, or a family history of early-onset deafness.

Health surveillance is a programme of health checks which usually involves regular hearing checks (audiometric testing), keeping health records, and referring employees to a doctor if/when hearing damage is identified. It is useful in waring employees if they exhibit early signs of hearing damage to give the opportunity to do something to prevent the damage from getting worse. It is also effective for the employer to identify whether noise control measures are working.

Surveillance can be introduced at any time for existing employees and should be introduced straightaway for new employees, to allow a baseline to be taken. Annual checks for the first two years (followed by three-yearly checks after this unless a problem is detected or the risk of hearing damage is high) should be conducted by someone with appropriate training, with the whole surveillance programme under the control of an occupational health professional.

== Ongoing Assessments ==

Regulation 5 of the NAW Regulations indicate that the employer should implement an ongoing control programme in managing noise exposure risks. It may be necessary to review and produce an updated risk assessment when circumstances change, for example, if:

• circumstances change in the workplace, i.e. new equipment is installed, older machinery ceases to be used, shift patterns are changed, any reason that employees’ level of noise exposure may have changed; 
• noise control measures have been implemented since the previous assessment and the impact on employees’ exposure needs to be re-assessed; 
• the employer becomes aware of improved working methods and noise-control techniques that are new to the industry and could be applied to the workplace; 
• control measures that could not be implemented at the time of the original assessment become more viable to do so, i.e. because of new technology or reduced costs; and/or 
• continued health surveillance shows that employees’ hearing is being damaged, suggesting that noise control methods are not being properly implemented or are not effective enough.

The NAW Regulations indicate that even if none of the points above are true, the assessment should still be reviewed at least every two years.

Article reproduced from [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com/insights/noise-at-work-assessments-explained Noise at Work Assessments Explained] by [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com ParkerJones Acoustics]

← Older revision		Revision as of 12:00, 26 February 2020
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	= Organisational and technical measures of noise reduction =		= Organisational and technical measures of noise reduction =

−	Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations ~~indicates~~ that “the employer shall ensure that risk from the exposure of his employees to noise is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable….. If any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity.” The table below provides examples of such measures.	+	Regulation 6 of the NAW Regulations states that “the employer shall ensure that risk from the exposure of his employees to noise is either eliminated at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable….. If any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity.” The table below provides examples of such measures.

	Table 2: Methods of controlling noise through organisational and technical measures		Table 2: Methods of controlling noise through organisational and technical measures
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	* Reducing the number of employees working in noisy areas.		* Reducing the number of employees working in noisy areas.
	* Introducing job rotation so employees are doing a mixture of noise and quiet tasks rather than spending all day working with high noise level equipment.		* Introducing job rotation so employees are doing a mixture of noise and quiet tasks rather than spending all day working with high noise level equipment.
−	* Training employees on how to reduce their risk to noise exposure, and potentially developing in-house skills noise control, to ensure that workers are able to identify when equipment is producing louder than usual noise levels and how they might be able to reduce this.	+	* Training employees how to reduce their risk to noise exposure, and potentially developing in-house skills noise control, to ensure that workers are able to identify when equipment is producing louder than usual noise levels and how they might be able to reduce this.
	* Generally limiting the duration and intensity of exposure to noise, and having appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods.		* Generally limiting the duration and intensity of exposure to noise, and having appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods.
	\|}		\|}

−	=== Personal ~~Hearing Protection ==~~=	+	= Personal hearing protection =

−	After the measures ~~with~~ Regulation 6 ~~(summarised in the previous subsection)~~ have been explored, the next step is to consider providing personal hearing protection.	+	After the measures in Regulation 6 have been explored, the next step is to consider providing personal hearing protection.

−	Regulation 7 of the NAW Regulations ~~indicate~~ that hearing protection is compulsory for employees exposed to levels above the upper exposure action value (UEAV), though this is not compulsory during the quieter times of the day or if the employee is in a quiet area. It is also compulsory for any employee entering a Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ).	+	Regulation 7 of the NAW Regulations states that hearing protection is compulsory for employees exposed to levels above the upper exposure action value (UEAV), though this is not compulsory during the quieter times of the day or if the employee is in a quiet area. It is also compulsory for any employee entering a Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ).

−	Hearing protection is not compulsory for employees exposed to levels below the UEAV. It is not beneficial to ~~enforce~~ employees to wear hearing protection when not necessary, as this can lead to isolation, decreased communication, uncomfortable working conditions and a decreased ability to hear alarms and sirens.	+	Hearing protection is not compulsory for employees exposed to levels below the UEAV. It is not beneficial to force employees to wear hearing protection when it is not necessary, as this can lead to isolation, decreased communication, uncomfortable working conditions and a decreased ability to hear alarms and sirens.

	It is also not strictly beneficial to use hearing protectors which overprotect, for the reasons above. The main aim of hearing protection is to reduce noise levels at the ear to below at least the UEAV (85 dB(A)), but they should be avoided if they reduce noise levels to below 70 dB(A).		It is also not strictly beneficial to use hearing protectors which overprotect, for the reasons above. The main aim of hearing protection is to reduce noise levels at the ear to below at least the UEAV (85 dB(A)), but they should be avoided if they reduce noise levels to below 70 dB(A).
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	\|}		\|}

−	There are several other factors that influence the choice of which type of hearing protector an employee may wish to use, as outlined in Part 5 of the NAW Regulations, which also ~~state~~ that “wherever possible the employer should make more than one type of protector available (making sure that each is suitable for the noise and jobs to be done) to allow the user a personal choice”.	+	There are several other factors that influence the choice of which type of hearing protector an employee may wish to use, as outlined in Part 5 of the NAW Regulations, which also states that “wherever possible the employer should make more than one type of protector available (making sure that each is suitable for the noise and jobs to be done) to allow the user a personal choice”.

−	Employees are often reluctant to use hearing protection, are forgetful, or do not apply protection correctly. A programme of monitoring, supervision, warning notices, instruction, and training is needed to ensure they are used. It is also important that a system of maintenance is employed, to ensure that the hearing protection maintains its level of noise reduction and does not become defective over time.	+	Employees are often reluctant to use hearing protection, are forgetful, or do not apply protection correctly. A programme of monitoring, supervision, warning notices, instruction, and training is needed to ensure they are used. It is also important that a system of maintenance is employed to ensure that the hearing protection maintains its level of noise reduction and does not become defective over time.

−	=== Hearing ~~Protection Zones~~ (HPZ) ===	+	= Hearing protection zones (HPZ) =

−	Regulation 7 of the NAW Regulations ~~indicates~~ If any area in the workplace is likely to be exposed to noise levels at or above the upper exposure action value (UEAV) then the employer must ensure that:	+	Regulation 7 of the NAW Regulations states that If any area in the workplace is likely to be exposed to noise levels at or above the upper exposure action value (UEAV) then the employer must ensure that:

−	• the area is designated a Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ);~~<br />~~	+	* the area is designated a Hearing Protection Zone (HPZ);
−	• the area is demarcated and identified by means of the sign specified for the purpose of indicating that ear protection must be worn;~~<br />~~	+	* the area is demarcated and identified by means of the sign specified for the purpose of indicating that ear protection must be worn;
−	• access to the area is restricted where this is practicable and the risk from exposure justifies it; and~~<br />~~	+	* access to the area is restricted where this is practicable and the risk from exposure justifies it; and
−	• no employee enters that area unless that employee is wearing personal hearing protectors, so far as is reasonably practicable.	+	* no employee enters that area unless that employee is wearing personal hearing protectors, so far as is reasonably practicable.

−	The boundaries of HPZs should be considered carefully, i.e. they should avoid overlapping commonly used walkways and should not extend further than is necessary to protect people carrying out their normal work. In situations where the boundaries of a zone cannot be marked, then attaching hearing protection zone signs to specific tools is an appropriate alternative.	+	The boundaries of HPZs should be considered carefully, i.e. they should avoid overlapping commonly-used walkways and should not extend further than is necessary to protect people carrying out their normal work. In situations where the boundaries of a zone cannot be marked, then attaching hearing protection zone signs to specific tools is an appropriate alternative.

−	=== Information, ~~Instruction~~, and ~~Training ==~~=	+	= Information, instruction, and training =

	Regulation 10 of the NAW Regulations indicates that the employer must provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV. It is important for the employer to tell employees:		Regulation 10 of the NAW Regulations indicates that the employer must provide ‘information, instruction, and training’ to employees who are exposed to above the LEAV. It is important for the employer to tell employees:
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	Article reproduced from [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com/insights/noise-at-work-assessments-explained Noise at Work Assessments Explained] by [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com ParkerJones Acoustics]		Article reproduced from [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com/insights/noise-at-work-assessments-explained Noise at Work Assessments Explained] by [https://www.parkerjonesacoustics.com ParkerJones Acoustics]
		+
		+	[[Category:Regulations]] [[Category:Design]]