Hearing damage cause by exposure to noise at work is permanent and incurable. Research estimates that over 2 million people are exposed to noise levels that may be harmful. There are many new cases of people receiving compensation for hearing damage each year, through both civil claim s and the Government disability benefit scheme, with considerable costs to industry, society and, most importantly, the people who suffer the disability.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations requires employers to carry out an assessment of the risk to health and safety created by noise in the workplace.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require all employers to take specific action at certain action values. These relate to:

• the levels of exposure to noise of employees averaged over a working day or week; and
• the maximum noise (peak sound pressure) to which employees are exposed in a working day.

The values are:

• lower exposure action values:
            – daily or weekly exposure of 80 dB(A);
            – peak sound pressure of 135 dB(C);

• upper exposure action values:
                 – daily or weekly exposure of 85 dB(A);
         – peak sound pressure of 137 dB(C).

There are also levels of noise exposure which must not be exceeded:

• exposure limit values:
                 – daily or weekly exposure of 87 dB(A);
         – peak sound pressure of 140 dB(C).

These exposure limit values take account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection.

SMS can carry out noise assessments and measurements and suggest controls that can help an employer reduce the risk of noise in the workplace. Our competently trained consultants will provide you with a noise assessment of you premises and assist you in implementing a noise control strategy. Remember, just measuring the noise does not fulfill your duties as an employer, you need to control it as well.

When choosing a consultant ensure that they are qualified as noise practitioners and use high quality equipment. Ask searching questions to ensure that you are getting the best possible advice:

What qualifications do you have?
What type of noise meter are you using?
What will the report detail?

SMS Noise Brochure (download PDF brochure)