Occupational Hygiene : Workplace Noise

There have been significant changes in the workplace noise regulations. The implementation of the European Directive 2003/10/EC (Physical Agents Directive – Noise), has given rise to new noise control legislation. The new Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 has been compiled by the Health and safety Executive (HSE) and was implemented in April 2006. It incorporates the following exposure action levels. i.e.:-

  • Lower Exposure Action Level of 80 dB(A) and peak sound pressure of 112Pa (135 dB(C))
  • Upper Exposure Action Level of 85 dB(A) and peak sound pressure of 140Pa (137 dB(C))
  • Exposure Limit Value of 87 dB(A) and peak sound pressure of 200Pa

These exposure action levels are significantly lower than those given in the previous legislation and go further by introducing three peak exposure levels as opposed to one.

The new regulations also put much more onus on ‘Control’ with the elimination of noise at source stated as the preferred option. If not possible, other control strategies should be adopted. The new regulations also introduce mandatory health surveillance for employees exposed to significant noise levels during their normal working day.

With these legislative changes in mind, now more than any time, every employer should be asking these three important questions:

  • Are employees exposed to damaging noise levels in my factory?
  • If so, have I done all I can to assess their exposure?
  • And, have I done all I can to reduce their exposure?

If you are unsure of any of these questions further guidance should be sought and full a survey and assessment carried out. The assessment should include an evaluation of employees’ personal noise exposure over their working day (LEP.d) and not just a measure of noise levels in a given area. It should therefore include:-

  • The sound pressure level (SPL) or equivalent sound pressure level (LAeq) from each process, machine, operation
  • The operator exposure over a typical shift or day or week, usually incorporating noise dosimetry
  • The nature of the noise – continuous, impaction, cyclic etc
  • The frequency of the noise – by use of octave band analysis

If you require assistance with any part of the new Noise Regulations, including a full factory noise survey and assessment don’t hesitate to contact the Occupational Hygiene Unit of Newcastle Occupational Health and Hygiene.

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Workplace Noise