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Why do I need a noise at work assessment?

Noise at work assessments are a legal requirement. All employers must protect their employees from workplace noise exposure. The Control of Noise at Work Regulation 2005 came into effect in April 2006. With the aim to ensure that workers’ hearing is protected from excessive workplace noise.

What are noise exposure action values and limits?

Noise exposure is defined over an 8-hour working day dB LEP, d or 40-hour working week dB LEP, w.   Therefore, the limits that apply are personal average and peak exposures over these time periods.

Lower Exposure Action Values (LEAV):

A daily or weekly personal exposure of 80 dB(A) or a peak level of 135 dB(C).

Upper Exposure Action Values (UEAV):

A daily or weekly personal exposure of 85 dB(A) or a peak level of 137 dB(C).

Exposure Limit Values (ELV):

A daily or weekly personal exposure of 87 dB(A) or a peak level of 140 dB(C).

As an employer what am I required to do?

As an employer you are required to:

  • Identify and assess those employees likely to be at risk of hearing damage.
  • Create a management summary in line with the assessment’s findings.
  • Implement procedures to prevent and reduce the noise exposure.
  • Ensure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded.
  • Where there is a risk to health, the requirements can increase.
    • Provide your employees with information, instruction and training.
    • Carry out continuous health surveillance.
    • Provide hearing protection as a last resort.

Employees who are at risk

Typically, any employee who works in a “noisy” environment could be at risk.  This may include:

  • Manufacturing operatives.
  • Factory workers.
  • Nightclub workers.
  • Construction workers.
  • Roadside workers.
  • Musicians.

Examples of noise risk assessment actions

The type of actions an employer should take depend on the level of risk.

So, if its below the LEAV, an employer should reduce noise levels as far as reasonably practicable.  However, where the LEAV could be exceeded a noise risk assessment should be undertaken.  Some necessary strategies at this stage of risk include:

  • Noise awareness training should be provided.
  • A review of equipment used should be undertaken to reduce exposure.
  • Changing working patterns to limit an employee’s exposure.
  • In the short term, hearing protection should be made available.

Where exposure could exceed the UEAV, the requirements increase to also include:

  • Establish and implement a programme of control measures.
  • Where these controls cannot reduce exposure below the LEAV then:
    • Suitable hearing protection must be worn.
    • An audiometric health surveillance programme must be implemented.

If exposure exceeds the ELV, an employer must reduce below limit values.  It is only at this stage, hearing protection can be considered in the assessment.

Our assessment approach

Our consultants are experienced in noise risk assessments and will guide you through the process. In addition, they will help you put together a management plan to prevent and reduce workplace noise exposure.

Sound Solution Consultants guidance on noise at work assessments aims to be first-rate, in accordance with The Health and Safety Executive guidance for employers “Noise Assessments – Getting what you need” .

The report you receive from us is comprehensive and will include (where appropriate) information including:

  • Noise control measures in a management summary.
  • Identification of employees likely to be at risk of hearing damage.
  • Daily or weekly personal noise exposure, including average and peak levels.
  • Employer’s and employees’ legal duties relevant to estimated exposure levels.
  • Detail of noise levels used to calculate exposure assessment.
  • Commentary on activities giving rise to risk.
  • Combination of handheld measurements and personal dosimetry.
  • Suggestions for priorities of controlling noise.
  • Hearing protection assessment (BS EN 458) and suggestion of alternatives.
  • Determination of Hearing Protection Zones and appropriate signage.

Standard reporting text includes:

  • Name of person responsible for the assessment.
  • Equipment used.
  • Activities assessed.
  • Photographs.
  • Annotated sketch plans.
  • Health surveillance appraisal.
  • Noise control solutions.
  • Advice on low noise purchasing policy.
  • A glossary of acoustic terms.

Please note, that once you have a management plan in place. Any changes to machinery, working methods etc. that are in your plan.  Will mean that you will need to carry out another noise at work assessment.

Health and Safety Executive

The Health and Safety Executive provides various useful information, that assists with employers’ and employees’ understanding of noise at work assessments and requirements. Please see external links for:

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Why work with us?

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What our clients say

Also want to say how great the guys were on Friday; on time, polite, professional, efficient in their work and very friendly. All in all, everyone at Sound Solution has been spot on in their approach, efficiency and service. As a customer it is both refreshing and welcome! Long may it continue.

Richmond Resident

I spoke to you last Friday, Thank you very much for your advice and spending your valuable time. I am pleased with your quality because you are not a person who crushes the client with making things up for business, you are a person who looks after clients well ethical manner by giving correct and best possible advice even it does not earn financial value for you. I wish you wealthy and health better successful future ahead.

Prasad

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to you and your team for all the extra help you have given me in dealing with my rather sensitive issue of noise transmission to my downstairs neighbour. It has been invaluable. In recognition, I have made a £50 donation to the charity: Action on Hearing Loss.

Jodi Riches - Client

Have worked with Sound Solution for the last 7 years and have found them to be very professional and excellent at their work. Always happy to provide me with advice pre and post purchasing new buildings and during development projects. We have worked on various scale of projects and so far have found nothing that phases them. The reports are well written, clear and easy to follow. A great asset to our extended team.

Sanjeev Bhamm, Pelham Associates

We are delighted to work with SCC Ltd in resolving the ever more complex requirements for careful acoustic design. Their knowledge coupled with a helpful approach assists us in delivering tailored solutions which fit within our design constraints.

Chris Parsons, Parsons Whittley

We have been working with Sound Solutions for a few years now, as they offer a professional and consistent service. They are always happy to respond to site-based questions and are quick to reply to emails and phone calls. It is reassuring to our clients that they provide both the specification prior to construction and test on completion.

Ben Harvey - Architect, Liam Russell Architects

We have worked with Mark and the team at Sound Solutions for many years and have always been very happy with their professional service and first-rate advice. I have personally recommended them to many other clients.