AIRO is frequently asked to advise on the control
of noise both from and within factories and other industrial premises
in order to ensure the minimum risk of damage to employees' hearing
or annoyance to the local community. This might typically involve
measurement surveys, remedial design and the management of the
ensuing noise control programme in existing factories or expert
assistance with the design of new factories in order to satisfy
the relevant Statutory Instruments and Codes of Practice associated
with The Health and Safety at Work Act, The Control of Noise at Work
Regulations, The Control of Pollution Act and British Standard 4142
'Rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas'.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations refer principally
to three exposure values, these being a daily personal lower exposure action
value of 80dB(A), an upper exposure action value of 85dB(A) and an exposure
limit value of 87dB(A). Maximum permissible peak sound pressure level values
are also specified, ranging from 135dB(C) - 140dB(C). The Control of Noise
at Work Regulations require that when employees are likely to be
exposed to the lower exposure action value or above then a noise assessment
should be made to identify which employees are so exposed. Subsequent
to this assessment consideration may need to be given to reducing
noise exposure where reasonably practicable, providing hearing
protection where applicable, and defining ear protection zones.
For those employees exposed to the lower exposure action value or above
it will be necessary for the employer to provide information,
instruction and training on:-
AIRO can carry out detailed noise surveys to identify
the level of risk involved and to provide guidance and advice
detailing the measures that should be taken by an employer to
effectively protect the exposed workforce. We are also able to carry out
employee noise management training sessions in accordance with the requirements of
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
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