The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force for all industry sectors in great Britain. It requires employers to protect workers from excessive noise in their workplace that could lead to tinnitus or permanent loss of hearing. There are three key noise dependent regulations:
- At 80 decibels (daily or weekly average) exposure level employers must access the risk to each individual employee and provide training and information
- 85 decibels (daily or weekly average) exposure level employers must provide hearing protrection
- 87 decibels is the exposure limit value taking into account reduction by protection, workers should not be exposed to
Reducing noise levels
Can you do your work in an alternative, quieter way?
- Introducing a low-noice policy for new or replacement machinery – ask suppliers about the noise output data for different settings and conditions
- Place material to reduce vibration around vibrating equipment
- Isolate machinery
- Fit silencers to exhausts
- Change the workflow to keep noisy machinery away from where people spend most of their time
Choosing and using the correct PPE
If noise exceeds 80 decibels after all other precautions hearing protection is required. 3M has the broadest selection of hearing protectors for a wide range of environments. Trouble fitting your plugs? Need to communicate in noise? Dirty hands? Hot, humid conditions? There are solutions for lots of different applications.
Ear plugs, Ear defenders, Ear Muffs, Communication Solutions or noise indicators are available. Get in touch with one of our technical team on 01954 233 120, email support@camlab.co.uk or fill in the form below for more information:
