Noise at Work

The new Noise at Work Regulations (2005) came into force on 6 April 2006 and replaced the previous regulations that had been in force since 1989.These new regulations have tightened the rules and lowered the noise exposure limits.

Everwell's convenient on-site audiometry or hearing tests service is compliant with the health surveillance requirements for this regulation.

The clear objective of the Regulations is to protect employees from noise. As such they require employers to:

• Assess the risks from noise.
• Take action to reduce noise exposure (elimination of source or contact with that source).
• Provide hearing protection for those employees exposed.
• Make sure legal limits are not exceeded:
  • The lower exposure action value is only 80dB (This is just about the level made by a typical Vacuum Cleaner!!)
  • Upper exposure action value 85 dB
  • Peak sound pressure of 137 dB
• Provide information to employees.
• Carry out hearing surveillance (specifically hearing or audiometric tests) for staff where there is risk to hearing health.

The full details can be found at:“INPUT LINK”;