Noise Regulations are important especially if you use noisy tools

April sees the 10th Anniversary of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) which came into force in April 2006 in the UK for all employers. The Regulations are particularly important if your business uses noisy powered tools or machinery.

The 2005 Noise at Work Regulations replaced the 1989 Noise Regulations and introduced new requirements for action to be taken by employers. In the UK, the 2005 Regulations require employers to take action to protect workers at levels of noise 5 decibels lower than in the 1989 Regulations. A big drop! They also stipulate health surveillance (hearing checks) for workers regularly exposed above 85 decibels. The Regulations define specific ‘exposure action values’, levels of noise exposure which, if exceeded, require employers to take specific measures. There are ‘lower’ and ‘upper’ action values.

Failure to comply with the Noise at Work Regulations can result in lost productivity to a business, leave employers/directors liable to enforcement action, including prosecution, and may result in civil claims from current or ex-employees and a dent in reputation.

One sure way of protecting yourself is to obtain an accurate and reliable estimate of your employees’ exposure against the exposure action values and legal limit values stated in the Regulations. Noise levels should be assessed by using the correct equipment that offers the right accuracy level for the required application. You can either use a handheld sound level meter or personal noise dosemeter or a combination of both.

Remember that for noise at work measurements, the meter you opt for should be able to provide you with the equivalent continuous ‘A’-weighted sound pressure level in decibels or LAeq and the maximum ‘C’ weighted peak sound pressure level or LCPeak. Also, under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005), a Class 2 sound level meter is considered to be sufficient for measuring general noise within an occupational setting.

In the last ten years, Pulsar have helped thousands of businesses in the UK and around the world to meet compliance with Noise Regulations by providing compliant and reliable noise measurement technology, training and exceptional customer care support.

For advice on controlling noise at work, legislation, training and specifications on our range of noise measurement products to help you conduct your noise risk assessments, please consult our website or ring us on 01723 518011.