Noise at Work Regulations
Control Of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
The new Control Of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into effect on 06 April 2006.
The new noise regulations revoke and replace the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 (SI 1989 No. 1790).
The new noise regulations introduce new noise action and limit values, as follows.
- Lower noise exposure action level: a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80dB (A-weighted) and a peak sound pressure of 135dB (C-weighted).
- Upper noise exposure action level: a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85dB (A-weighted) and a peak sound pressure of 137dB (C-weighted).
- Exposure limit values: a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87dB (A-weighted) and a peak sound pressure of 140dB (C-weighted).
The regulations require:
- a noise risk assessment
- elimination of noise or, where elimination is not reasonably practicable, reduction of exposure to noise to as low a level as is reasonably practicable
- a programme of noise control measures, including the provision of personal hearing protectors, to be taken at the upper noise exposure action values to reduce exposure to noise to as low a level as is reasonably practicable
- actions to be taken at the noise exposure limit values and prohibition on exceeding the noise exposure limit values
- the provision of personal hearing protectors upon request at the lower noise exposure action values and compulsorily at the upper noise exposure action values
- the designation in the workplace of hearing protection zones where an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper noise exposure action value
- employers to ensure that equipment, including personal hearing protection, is fully and properly used and maintained in an efficient state, in efficient working order and in good repair
- employees to make full and proper use of personal hearing protectors and of any other noise control measures
- noise health surveillance
- noise information, instruction and training.
A transitional period of two years is allowed before implementation of relevant sections of the Control Of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 for the music and entertainment sectors.
A copy of the Control Of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are available at www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051643.htm
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