Enforcement

Duties to manage risk from occupational noise are set out in the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Responsibility for the enforcement of regulations relating to noise falls to several bodies:

• HSE leads where high exposure to occupational noise is likely to lead directly to hearing damage or interfere with workplace safety. Local authorities enforce the Control of Noise at Work Regulations in music and entertainment business and some industrial premises, for example those associated with retail activities.

Other aspects of noise enforcement are undertaken by the following:

• Local authorities lead on planning matters and where noise is giving rise to neighbourhood complaints.
• The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) leads on matters related to trade.
  • HSE enforces Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations and Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations (NEEEOR) on behalf of BIS.
  • The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) enforces NEEEOR on behalf of BIS.