Workplace Noise Risk Assessment

The effects of excessive noise can cause permanent hearing damage. This can lead to an inability for workers to perform day-to-day tasks as they once did. Hearing loss or damage is irreversible, so it’s important to install preventative measures to control the risk to hearing and prevent damage in the first place.

Noise exposure occurs in various forms. It can mean a single exposure to a very loud noise or repeated exposure to noise above a certain level. Both can impact the inner ear structures and cause hearing loss. Hearing damage can also lead to a debilitating condition called tinnitus, which leaves a person with a continuous ringing in their ears. Unfortunately, there is no cure for tinnitus.

Under noise legislation, employers must act if exposure reaches or exceeds the required levels. Introducing an effective noise reduction strategy can mitigate the risk of exposure. There are several ways for employers to reduce noise exposure.

• Job rotation or other workflow alterations, including taking regular breaks.
• Choose quieter equipment when it’s time to reinvest.
• Construct enclosures with sound-insulating panels or barriers.
• Use silencers on exhaust systems, provide dampening on vibrating parts and lubricate machinery to reduce friction.
• Provide the correct PPE, including earplugs, earmuffs and noise-cancelling headphones.
• Maintain equipment – a poorly serviced power tool can produce excessive noise.
• Provide training and guidance to employees to educate them on the proper use of PPE, machinery and equipment.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set out maximum noise exposure limits to protect workers from the damaging effects of occupational noise. The regulations are enforced by the Health and Safety Executive and fall within the scope of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. As an employer, you are responsible for the safety of your workforce, and failure to comply with noise regulations can lead to legal and financial consequences. The rules surrounding noise exposure are clear; a noise risk assessment is mandatory if either or both of the following conditions apply:

• Employees are regularly exposed to noise levels of 80 decibels or more.
• Employees must shout to be heard by someone 2 metres away.

For many businesses, operating within noise exposure legislation can be complex and another drain on their valuable resources. Blue Turtle can help by providing guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. Our occupational health advisors are experts in their field and experienced in assessing noise risk to protect employees from workplace health hazards.

UK health and safety legislation states that employers have a legal duty to protect workers from the harmful effects of excessive noise. This involves completing a formal assessment of noise risk in the workplace, which has three critical components.

• Identify potential noise hazards
• Assess the risks
• Implement control measures to reduce or eliminate noise exposure

The average daily or weekly level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is 85 dB(A), and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers health is 80 dB(A).

At Blue Turtle Ltd, our expert Occupational Hygiene Consultants are on hand to provide advice and implement correct procedures to keep your workplace fully compliant with UK health and safety legislation. We will assess potential noise hazards, identify those affected, and recommend a strategy to manage and control the risk.

At Blue Turtle Ltd, we provide a professional and friendly service where a trained Occupational Hygienist will visit your place of work to conduct a noise survey to assess current workplace exposures, practices, controls and create an action plan to address areas of improvement.

A typical Workplace Noise Risk Assessment Survey will include:

• Identify the source of noise within the workplace.
• Determine who might be affected by excess noise.
• Measure high noise levels and areas of exposure.
• Recommend and implement control measures like PPE and engineering controls.
• Implement a schedule of health surveillance, including formal recording of the results.
• Assist with ongoing training and guidance.

Every survey is followed by a detailed, easy-to-understand report that clearly identifies noise risk results and the effectiveness of current control measures. The report will recommend improvements and any gaps in legislative compliance.

The report also provides you with risk-ranked actions so that you can focus resources on the higher-risk items first. We help businesses of all types manage their workplace health hazards. Our experienced consultants can provide practical advice on how to achieve adequate control through process changes, improvements, or adopting/changing work practices to reduce the risk as low as reasonably practicable.

Whatever your Occupational Hygiene needs are, Blue Turtle Ltd is here to help your business protect your workforce and help you meet your legal obligations. Call us today to discuss your needs or if you prefer, complete the online form with a brief outline of your business needs and/or concerns.

Blue Turtle – The missing cog in your business health!