Noise at Work

Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the

University of Sheffield

Scope of the Problem In the UK there are

over 170,000 people with significant work-related hearing damage

14,200 are serious enough affected to receive disablement benefit

Noise is an ancient problem!

Roman poets complained about the racket of iron cart-wheels on the cobbles

What is noise? Unpleasant or

unwanted sound When unwanted noise

gets loud enough It is unpleasant It is distracting It is tiring & stressful Higher levels cause

permanent hearing damage

Likelihood of Damage

Depends mainly on: Volume (loudness) Frequency (pitch) Exposure time

Can be work exposure, social exposure or both

Damage can include: Temporary

hearing loss hearing returns

after a short period away from noise

Permanent hearing loss

Permanent damage or destruction of hair cells in the ears.

Hearing cannot be restored

Signs of developing hearing loss

Inability to hear soft or high pitched sounds

Trouble understanding conversation at a distance or in a crowd

Ringing in the ears Others can hear

something you can’t

There is no cure for hearing damage!

Normal hearing can never be restored

Hearing aids do not restore noise-damaged hearing

At best, they help the person a little

Frequency of Sound

Infra- Normal Ultra-

Sound Sound Sound

Noise Levels

Ear is most sensitive to normal frequency sound

The dBA scale takes this into account when measuring noise levels

Measurement of Noise Loudness is measured in decibels

170 dB Jet airliner120 dB Riveting hammer110 dB Shouting loudly 70 dB Street sounds 38 dB Quiet bedroomThis is a logarithmic scale – an increase

of 1dB means about 30% more noise

What Law applies?

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Commencement date April 2006 except for music industry)

The Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974

Risk Assessment Observe procedures Refer to standard

data If necessary,

measure noise levels

Compare with action levels

Identify control measures

Action and Limit Values Lower action value (LAV)

80dBA – 8hrs Peak – 135dBA Upper action value (UAV)

85dBA – 8hrs Peak – 137dBA Exposure limit value (ELV)

87dBA – 8hrs Peak – 140dBA Can take account of hearing

protection

If your average daily exposure is over 80dB(A) The employer

must: Inform you of the

risks to your hearing from noise and how you can reduce those risks

Make hearing protective equipment available

Your employer must: Try to reduce noise at

source Provide hearing protection

& insist on its useinsist on its use Identify & sign ear

protection zones Conduct noise assessments

& keep records of them Provide hearing checks if

requested

If your average daily exposure is over 85dB(A)

If your average daily exposure is over 87dB(A)

This is a maximum & must not be exceeded

Noise to the ear must be reduced Preferably at

source Otherwise by

hearing protection

Control of Noise

Preferably eliminate or reduce it at source eg Maintenance &

lubrication Anti-vibration mounting Sound absorbing

materials Enclosure Reducing exposure time

Hearing protectionEar Plugs Must be kept clean

(many are single use) Must be put in properly

(there is a special technique)

Generally comfortable to wear especially in hot weather

Hearing protection

Canal Caps Like in-ear ear plugs on a headband Pleasant to wear Often do not completely seal in the

ear Generally not a good idea for >85dB

for prolonged periods

Hearing protectionEar Muffs Must fit snugly – one size

fits most people Generally very effective if

worn properly – beware of glasses

Tend to be uncomfortable in hot weather

Special types available eg. for wearing safety helmets, for workers near high voltage

Can be shared but cleaning routine required

Hearing protection The effectiveness of hearing

protection varies according to type, manufacture and correct wearing.

Most will reduce noise at the ear by about 15 - 20dBA

Don’t over-protect or warnings may not be audible

Hearing protection

Ensure it is suitable for the job

Regular maintenance & record keeping required

Home-made protectors don’t work (eg cotton wool)

Wear it when you are supposed to – you MUST BY LAW

Hearing protection

Try to limit your time in noisy areas Remember the

effect is cumulative

Hearing protection

Protect your hearing in a social context too eg:

Loud music Personal stereos Car entertainment

DIY & garden tools

Don’t take noise for granted!

Hearing damage creeps up on you

Once it has happened, there is no cure

Further Advice? Contact Safety Services The Health & Safety Executive

have a useful leaflet which can be found:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg362.pdf