The Noise at Work Regulations 1989

Sources of noise:

hammering riveting cartridge-operated tools drilling: a) b) hand drills pneumatic drills

industrial machinery engine-driven plant

Exposure to noise Associated hazards

Annoyance

and irritation Affects concentration and efficiency Fatigue and proneness to accidents Inability to hear other sounds, instructions and warnings

Exposure to noise Associated hazards

Short exposure: can lead to temporary hearing loss

Regular exposure: damage to inner ear permanent loss of hearing

Note: Occupational deafness is a reportable disease

Noise exposure levels

Three levels of daily personal exposure: First action level = 85 dB(A) (You have to shout to be heard at 2 metres)

Noise exposure levels

Second action level = 90 dB(A) (You have to shout to be heard at 1 metre) Third action level = 140 dB(A) (The noise level produced by some cartridge tools)

Noise
First action level Employers must:

arrange noise assessment to identify who is at risk make ear protection available if requested reduce noise to lowest practicable level set up and keep records provide information and training on risk of damage to ears, use of ear protectors, etc.

Noise
Second action level Employers must:

set up a control programme create ear protection zones provide and maintain ear protection ensure ear protection is worn by anyone entering ear protection zone

Noise
Employees must:

use ear protectors or other hearing protection measures provided report any defects in the hearing protection measures provided to employer

Noise

Remember the general duty of employees:

co-operation with employer

compliance with the law and employers safe systems

proper and correct use of safety equipment

Types of ear protection

Disposable ear plugs:

correct insertion essential not re-usable handle only with clean hands Re-usable ear plugs: need regular and careful washing supply and fitting by trained person may need different sizes for each ear dirt can cause ear irritation

Types of ear protection

Ear defenders:

must be correct type for job will not be effective if damaged or worn out must fit correctly headband not too tight or too loose facial hair or spectacles may cause problems

Mandatory warning sign

White symbol on a circular blue background with white lettering below the symbol

Noise Levels

Vibration
Hand-arm vibration (HAVS):

chainsaws

hand-held rotary tools: a) grinding b) sanding c) polishing Whole body vibration: ride-on plant operators

Vibration
Hand-held percussive tools:

metal work riveting

chipping
hammering demolition pneumatic drills electric hammer drills

Vibration
Affects:

blood vessels some nerves muscles and tendons

possibly other body organs

Vibration
Vibration white finger is a reportable disease

Use of anti-vibration handles, etc.

Other preventative measures include: keep your hands warm and dry avoid tensing hand and arm muscles break up the job into short bursts