NEWS & PR

Protect Your Hearing

05 October 2005

There has been a lot of publicity lately about the revision of the UK Noise at Work Regulations which have been in existence since 2003. However, next spring the HSE will begin to enforce it and check companies against these requirements. The most likely revision date is one in April 2006, so employers must be aware of their responsibilities.

The consequence of the enforcement of Noise at Work Regulations is that action must be taken over noise in the workplace at much lower levels than at present, and a far greater number of people will need to be included in hearing conservation programs.

Jason Sparrow from Guardsman, suppliers of ear protectors, says, “With regard to hearing protectors, this means that the maximum permitted daily exposure level at which action must be taken will be reduced in the new regulations from 90dB(A) to 87 dB(A). This 3dB(A) decrease represents a halving of the permitted energy of exposure”.

Employees will therefore be able to request hearing protectors at daily exposure levels of 80dB(A), a decrease of 5dB compared to their rights under the old 1989 UK Noise Regulations. At daily exposure levels of 85dB(A), if hearing protection is the preferred hearing conservation strategy these hearing protectors must be worn.

Employer responsibility

Employers have a legal duty to protect the hearing of their employees. Damage to hearing from exposure to loud noise at work is preventable and the risks can be controlled by good management.

If people have to shout or have difficulty being heard clearly by someone about two metres away, you may have a noise problem at work. Employers have to reduce risk of damage to employees' hearing and take specific actions where the noise exposure of their employees is likely to be at or above any of three 'action levels'.

Two of the action levels are values of 'daily personal noise exposure' expressed as L EP,d. These depend on the noise level in the working areas and how long people spend in them during the day.

Under the current Noise at Work Regulations, the first action level is an L EP,d of 85 dB(A) and the second action level is an L EP,d of 90 dB(A).

There is also a peak action level of 200 pascals for exposures to high level noise of short duration, such as cartridge operated tools. This identifies the risks of exposure to impulsive noise as opposed to continuous noise exposure.

Noise Assessments

Employers are required to take specific measures at these levels, including carrying out noise assessments, reducing exposure, issuing personal hearing protection and providing information and training for employees.

This guide provides an indication of noise levels relating to everyday sounds:
normal conversation 50-60 dB(A)

a loud radio 65-75 dB(A)
a busy street 78-85 dB(A)
a heavy lorry about 7 metres away 95-100 dB(A)
a pighouse at feeding time 110 dB(A)
a chain saw 115-120 dB(A)
a jet aircraft taking off 25 metres away 140 dB(A)

THS Suppliers JSP Ltd has recently launched a new range of Classic® ear defenders which offer high levels of performance and comfort for those needing protection for extended periods. They feature a wire headband that provides high comfort levels and easy adjustment. The twin point mounting system provides even distribution of pressure and the large, soft, foam cushioned cups ensure all day comfort and a good seal against high noise levels. JSP also use modified plastics designed to offer good noise protection whilst still being mechanically strong to withstand the sort of use/misuse that these products are normally subjected to. The cups and cushions are filled with acoustic absorbing foam to offer a good level of protection whilst still being cost effective for the end user.

Matthew Judson from the technical team at JSP says, “Ear defenders are just one form of hearing protection that is generally available. It may also be appropriate for the person needing hearing protection to have available ear plugs, banded ear plugs or helmet mounted ear muffs depending on personal preference and the job being carried out.

More information can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/consult/live.htm