Under the Noise Regulations, what is enforceable and what are the responsibilities of the employer?
Noise at work should be regularly assessed and records must be kept for at least 3 years and made available to both employees and HAS inspectors. Noise in the workplace should be reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable, taking account of technical progress and work patterns, and therefore where possible reduce the noise at source. When exposure to noise exceeds 80db(A), but lower than 85db(A), the employer has to provide suitable ear protection and provide training and information. Where it is not reasonably practicable to reduce the daily personal noise exposure of a worker below 80dB (A), the employer shall undertake to make hearing checks available to the worker. Penalties can be imposed for a breach of the regulations For more information refer to Industrial Noise Reduction Ltd’s “Noise at Work” documents.
