Management of Noise
Posted on 31st May 2024 at 12:04
The excess of noise on work sites can lead to serious effects on operatives being near or handling noisy work such as power tools or equipment.
Health and safety requirements for work sites ensure the limitations of noise exposure, from the lowest levels to the excessive which would result in permanent damage over time. Noise is measured in decibels (dB(A)), with the lower exposure action value (accepted lower noise limit) is 80dB(A), while the upper exposure action value is 85dB(A). 87dB(A) is the exposure limit value; it must not be exceeded as repeated exposure will surely affect hearing.
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 state that it is the employer’s responsibility to assess the risk of noise while employees are a work, reduce exposure to these risks, provide hearing protection, maintain the protection and noise limit, provide training to employees and finally to carry out health surveillance on employees.
Loud noises that can affect workers while being used can include power tools, machinery and plant. Hearing loss can occur gradually over time from exposure to noise at work over long a period of time, or from extremely loud sudden noises. This can split into temporary and permanent hearing loss, with temporary loss being a sign that if continued noise exposure occurs, it will result in permanent loss. A side effect of hearing loss can be tinnitus, characterised as a ringing or buzzing noise. If workers have trouble hearing others from at close proximity, it is a sign that ear damage has been sustained.

PPE is required to reduce the likelihood of hearing loss via ear plugs or ear defenders while working. Both are mandatory methods to provide ear protection, each with their own unique characteristics. Ear plugs can be applied and adapted to fit into the ear canal, while ear defenders are designed to be fitted over the ears. The hearing protection must be maintained, with any observations of damage to be reported. Signs must be placed to show where hearing protection is mandatory in the workplace.
All workers must be informed of the relevant information regarding noise, including hazards from noise and the means to control the risks from it, including PPE and to alert managers when they notice the earliest signs of hearing loss.
What Can We Learn From This?
• Exposure to loud noises can lead to damaged hearing
• Ear plugs and ear defenders must be used to protect hearing
• All workers need to be informed of the risks of noise and alert managers of signs of hearing loss
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Tagged as: Construction Safety, Hazards and Risks, Health and Safety Training, Risk Assessment control measures
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