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Risk Assessment for NoiseThe Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require each employer to carry out a noise risk assessment where any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above the lower exposure action.
As a rough guide, there are likely to be noise risks that need managing wherever you have to raise your voice or have difficulty being heard clearly by someone about two metres (six feet) away. As far as peak noise levels are concerned, the lower exposure action value is likely to be exceeded wherever there are noises due to impacts (such as hammering, drop forging, etc) or explosive sources (such as cartridge-operated tools). Our
professional risk assessment for noise complies with this legislation
and includes the measurement of the equivalent continuous sound pressure
level (A-weighted Leq) and the highest sound pressure level
(C-weighted true peak). The Leq is also measured by means
of personal sound level meters (Dosimeters), worn by the employee.
A frequency analysis of the various noise spectra is undertaken and,
most important of all, from this the daily average exposure rate of
your various employees is calculated. Further actions depend on whether
the lower or upper exposure values are exceeded. We submit a report (in a format recommended by the
Institute of Acoustics), listing these measurements, including the
print-outs of the Dosimeters, advice on who is at risk, which areas
should be ear protection zones, which employees are recommended to
wear ear protection and which type of protection this should be. The
key section in the report is the Noise Action Plan, which provides
the vital link between the assessment of the risks and their control.
It can be thought of as a statement of intent. The requirement to
eliminate at source or, where this is not reasonably practicable,
reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable is the key
requirement of the new noise regulations. Calibrated Grade 1 integrating data logging computerised
sound level meters with frequency analysis modules and Type 2 data
logging printing Dosimeters are used. For full information on the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 see the HSE website: www.hse.gov.uk/noise. The full text of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 can be found at: www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051643.htm
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