Noise Health and Safety FAQs

Workplace noise levels are regulated by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005:

1. Lower Action Level: 80 dB(A) daily/weekly average. Employers must provide training and offer hearing protection.
2. Upper Action Level: 85 dB(A) daily/weekly average. Employers must reduce noise exposure and provide mandatory hearing protection.
3. Exposure Limit: 87 dB(A) (with hearing protection). Noise must not exceed this.

Employers must assess noise risks, reduce exposure, provide protection, and offer health surveillance as needed. Visit the HSE website for detailed guidance.

Noise is measured using a sound level meter which measures the intensity of noise described in decibel units (dB). A sound meter uses a display with a decibel range that attempts to replicate the human ear’s dynamic range, usually the upper range which is most sensitive to harm.

Simply put the louder the noise, the higher the decibels though it should be remembered that a 3dB increase is a doubling of sound intensity and potentially increased risk of harm.

Noise level measurements are then described as A weighted (dBA) which as described earlier reflects the dynamic range of the human ear.

The health risks associated with exposure to noise include:

• Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) which typically is as a result to exposure to noise over long periods of time or can be from a one off occurrence.
• Tinnitus which is condition that arises over time and the symptoms include a persistent ringing or buzzing sound in one or both ears.
• Stress from persistent or increased noise levels.

As well as health risks, loud noise can interfere with communication between employees, which can result in accidents or incidents.

The first action should be to consider if you can eliminate the noise altogether e.g. redesign the process. Where this isn’t possible, look at controlling the noise at source.

Other ways to control noise include:

• Containing the noise in an acoustic shelter where workers don’t access.
• Workers operating in acoustic shelters.
• Using different equipment or processes.
• Stopping the path that the noise travels by putting in place baffling or partitions
• Putting controls in place such as ‘damping’ vibrating machine panels, isolating vibrating machinery components and fitting silencers to air exhausts.
• Designing the workplace for low noise emission.

Noise induced hearing loss is generally irreversible and cannot always be immediately noticeable by those who are expopsed. It can occur after a sudden loud noise but more typically after frequent or prolonged exposure to noise over time.

There is no specific timescale for a person to suffer from hearing loss however duration of exposure, age and individual susceptibility all plays a part.

It is a legal responsibility for employers to provide suitable hearing protection equipment to employees. Risk assessment should indicate when noise protection should be worn e.g. when using certain equipment, whilst undertaking certain tasks etc.

Employers have a duty to:

• Provide ear protection to employees when required.
• Identify hearing protection zones.
• Provide employees with suitable noise awareness training.

If an employee refuses to wear noise protection then you should follow any disciplinary policies you have in place. Employees should be notified during induction and reminded that it is company policy to wear them when required.

Our Noise Awareness Training raises awareness of the health risks of excessive noise and the importance of following an employer’s safe systems of work.

It is the employer’s responsibility to provide noise protection and ensure that it is maintained and used. The employee does also have the right to ask for noise protection if they want it.

To reduce workplace noise:

1. Control the source. Use quieter machinery and maintain equipment.
2. Modify the environment. Add soundproofing or enclose noisy equipment.
3. Adjust processes. Automate noisy tasks or schedule them strategically.
4. Limit exposure. Rotate staff and create quiet zones.
5. Provide hearing protection. Use earplugs or earmuffs as a last resort.

Employers must prioritise eliminating noise risks at the source under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 protect employees from excessive workplace noise that can harm hearing. Employers must:

1. Assess noise risks. Measure levels at 80 dB(A) or higher.
2. Action levels. Provide hearing protection at 80 dB(A) and enforce it at 85 dB(A). Noise must not exceed 87 dB(A) with protection.
3. Reduce noise. Implement controls like quieter equipment and soundproofing.
4. Educate employees. Provide noise awareness training on noise risks.
5. Offer health checks. Conduct hearing surveillance for at-risk workers.

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 were designed to protect employees from excessive workplace noise, which could cause hearing damage or loss. These regulations have since been replaced by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Noise becomes harmful when it is loud enough to damage hearing, normally at levels of 85 decibels (dB) or higher over prolonged periods.

Harmful noise levels:

• 85 dB(A): Prolonged exposure can cause hearing damage. This is the upper action level under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, requiring mandatory hearing protection.
• 120 dB(A): Immediate harm can occur, such as temporary or permanent hearing loss. This is equivalent to a loud concert or emergency siren.
• 140 dB(C): Pain threshold. Exposure to peak sound pressure at this level can cause instant damage.

Even lower levels (70-85 dB) can contribute to hearing loss if exposure is frequent and prolonged without adequate protection. Regular risk assessments and appropriate controls are essential to minimise harm.