NOISE AT WORK

The aim of this session is to provide you with information on:- Noise at Work Legislation What noise at work is Health effects relating to noise at work Employer and employees duties Noise at work control measures

NOISE AT WORK LEGISLATION The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force in the UK in April 2006, however the entertainment and music industry had until 6 April 2008 to implement the necessary measures to protect employees hearing Two action levels in the legislation First action level = 80dB Second action level = 85dB

EXPOSURE IN THE WORKPLACE In any premises where loud music is played, employees are at risk from noise at work As a simple guide we will have to do something if:- –You have to raise your voice to carry out a normal conversation when about 2m apart from the other person –Music is played at loud levels for more than half an hour

NOISE AT WORK – WHAT IS IT? Noise at work comes in many different forms including: From music – DJs and live bands Factory processes From machinery

NOISE AT WORK – WHAT IS IT?

WHAT ARE THE HEALTH EFFECTS? Loud noise can damage hearing and in some cases lead to deafness Conversation becomes difficult, your family complains about the television being too loud and you have trouble using the telephone Permanent tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can also occur The damage can be instant but generally it is gradual

EMPLOYERS DUTIES? Under the Noise At Work Legislation employers must reduce the risk of hearing damage to employees by controlling exposure to noise How do we do this? –Identify if there is a noise problem in the workplace –Carry out a Risk Assessment –Carry out a Noise Assessment (where necessary) –Put control measures in place

RISK ASSESSMENT We need to make sure that everything is done to reduce employees exposure to noise A Risk Assessment will provide the necessary information required to ensure noise at work is controlled

WHAT CONTROL MEASURES? Employees should be issued with ear plugs to wear when there are increased levels of music played at the premises by the internal music system, DJ playing, live bands etc or when instructed to do so by their Manager

SUMMARY Noise at work is a health and safety matter We want to ensure that employees are not exposed to noise at work. Where you have been provided with hearing protection it is your responsibility to make sure you wear it Co-operate. Help the Company to do what is needed to protect your hearing Follow any working methods that are put in place Look after your hearing protection. Make sure you understand what you need to do Report any problems with your hearing protection or noise control devices straight away Let your Manager know if you have any ear problems

Any Questions?