Managing noise risks

Assess the risks (Reg 5)

• Identify noise hazards
• Identify workers at particular risk from exposure to noise
• Estimate likely exposure to noise
• Identify measures required to eliminate or reduce risks
• Make a record of action taken and planned

Eliminate or control noise risks (Reg 6)

• Eliminate or reduce risks using good practice and known control and management solutions
• Obtain quieter tools and machinery
• For the higher-risk areas, plan and put in place technical and organisational control measures
• Make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded

Hearing protection (Reg 7)

• Where there remains a risk, issue your employees with hearing protection
• Make use mandatory for the high-risk cases and manage use with hearing protection zones
• Remember – hearing protection is not an alternative to noise control
• Employees: use hearing protection where its use is mandatory

Maintain and use noise-control equipment (Reg 8)

• Maintain any noise-control equipment and hearing protection
• Ensure that anything supplied is fully and properly used
• Employees: use the controls provided and report any defects

Health surveillance (Reg 9)

• Provide health surveillance (including hearing checks) for those at risk
• Use the results to review controls and further protect individuals
• Employees: co-operate and attend hearing checks

Worker information and training (Reg 10)

• Give employees information, instruction and training on:
  • the risks and safe working practices
  • control measures, hearing protection and health surveillance
• Encourage workers to take part in consultations in assessments

Review (Reg 5)

• Monitor the workplace for changes that affect noise exposures
• Monitor grouped health surveillance results to identify where controls are failing
• Look out for new ways to reduce risks