FEATURE
the Engineering Industry Noise Task Group have pro- duced a Top 10 of Noise Control Techniques
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is useful but as with all PPE hearing protection should be the last line of defence. The primary aim is to eliminate or reduce the risk to hearing by all other means first. Hearing protection can offer its own set of risks with ‘over protection’ reducing the ability for employees to communicate effectively with each other or be alert to impending hazards and warning signals. In some workplaces hearing protection with active listening features is now being mandated which protects workers from damaging noise while still allowing them to hear at a safe level.
Employers are required to provide hearing protection to employees if they ask for it and if the noise exposure exceeds the upper noise action levels. Equipment must be well-maintained, correctly fitted and appropriate for the specific task and employees should be trained in how to use it properly where required.
Workplace signage alerts employees to where the noise hazards are and where the wearing of PPE is mandatory. Innovative noise-activated warning signs can be triggered to illuminate when noise reaches a specific decibel level and some interactive signage can even log data and track noise levels. Workplace
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signage isn’t just necessary to highlight where the noise is but also where it isn’t. Signs directing employees to noise exclusion areas and refuges are just as important in the overall management of limiting the impact of noise exposure.
Health surveillance and early intervention are key to ensuring the best outcome for workers exposed to noise. It’s important to teach employees how to recognise some of the early warning signs of hearing damage in themselves. The HSE recommends regular hearing checks, annually at first and then at three yearly intervals after the first two years of employment.
Training is vital for workplaces where employees are exposed to noise likely to be at or above the lower action value. Training should cover the types of risks the employee may face, action and prevention, PPE and what they should be doing as individuals to minimise damage to their hearing.
FURTHER GUIDANCE For further information on controlling the risks of noise at work, review the published HSE guidance INDG362 Noise at Work.
World Hearing Day is on 03 March 2021, Noise Awareness Day is on 28 April 2021.
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