Noise: CONTROL THE RISKS

How do I control the risks from noise?
The purpose of the Noise Regulations 2005 is to make sure that people do not suffer damage to their hearing – so controlling noise risks and noise exposure should be where you concentrate your efforts.

Wherever there is noise at work you should be looking for alternative processes, equipment and/or working methods which would make the work quieter or mean people are exposed for shorter times.

Where your assessment shows that your employees are likely to be exposed at or above the upper exposure action values, you must put in place a planned programme of noise control.

Risk Assessment Solutions Ltd use annually calibrated noise meters to measure noise levels and can help you decide on the best course of action in any area where there is a risk to the hearing of your employees.

How do I use the information from my risk assessment?
Your risk assessment will have produced information on the risks and an action plan for controlling noise. Use this information to:

• tackle the immediate risk, e.g., by providing hearing protection;
• identify what is possible to control noise, how much reduction could be achieved and what is reasonably practicable;
• establish priorities for action
• assign responsibilities to people to deliver the various parts of the plan;
• ensure the work on noise control is carried out;
• check that what you have done has worked.

What do the regulations demand?