New noise regulations come into force

THE new Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on last month, replacing the existing Noise at Work Regulations 1989 and introducing a 5dB reduction in acceptable noise levels at work.

Welcoming the new regulations health and safety minister Lord Hunt of Kings Heath said: ‘With over one million employees in Great Britain exposed to levels of noise at work which could damage hearing, the new regulations will reduce exposure without placing unnecessary burdens on employers.’

It is hoped that full compliance with the regulations will eliminate all new cases of hearing damage caused by work by 2030. The regulations put the emphasis on identifying measures to eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to noise at work rather than simply relying on hearing protection, although this may also be needed in the short term.

Under the new regulations employers will be required to: assess the risks to their employees from noise at work; take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks; provide employees with hearing protection if they cannot reduce the noise exposure enough through other methods (making hearing protection available at 80dB and ensuring it is worn at 85dB); make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are note exceeded; provide employees with information, instruction and training; and carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health.

Workplaces, which fell within the scope of the 1989 regulations, should already have measures in place and the main effect is likely to be a need to review their risk assessments and prioritize their noise-control measures. Employees whose use of hearing protection under the 1989 regulations was advisory will now be required to wear the protection supplied.

Welcoming the new Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Brian Lamb, director of communications at RNID, said: ‘Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss and employers have a legal duty to cut down noise and protect their employees from the harmful effects of noise at work. However, employees also have to play their part and use the hearing protection available to them.

‘Noise-induced hearing loss is often cumulative and not immediately obvious, so its threat is seldom recognized or taken seriously. While the effects of noise are irreversible, noise-induced hearing loss is totally preventable.’

For more information about the new regulations and simple steps that can be taken to reduce employee noise exposure visit: www.hse.gov.uk/noise