HSPS05 - CONTROL OF

NOISE AT WORK
Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team

Contents

Page
Contents:
1. Purpose ..........................................................................................................................2
2. Performance Standard ............................................................................................. 2
3. Key Principles/Procedures

3.1 Noise Exposure

3.2 Action and Limit Values

3.3 Initial Actions Required

3.4 Risk Assessment & Control Measures

3.5 Training

3.6 Health Surveillance

3.7 Contract Procedures

10

3.8 Procurement Procedures

10

3.9 Maintenance and Use of Equipment

10

4. Equipment Testing
4.1 Equipment Registers and Auditing
5. Hearing Protection
5.1 Hearing Protection Zones
6. Further Information, Forms & Guidance

11
11
11
11
12

Copyright Plymouth City Council 2011. All rights reserved. This performance standard is Copyright 2011
Plymouth City Council. Except where explicitly stated, all rights are reserved and this performance standard should
not be copied, adapted, redistributed, or otherwise used without the prior written permission of Plymouth City
Council. Any unauthorised copying, sale, hiring, leading or reproduction is strictly prohibited and constitutes a breach
of copyright.

Version 4 November 2011

Not Protectively Marked

1 PURPOSE

Approved by

The purpose of this performance standard is to provide advice and

guidance to all line managers and employees in order to minimise the risk
from significant noise levels in the workplace. This will be achieved within
Date
Departments by:

Ensuring early recognition and assessment of the risks to

employees and others affected by the Councils undertaking

November 2011
Edition/Version

Ensuring effective communication between management and their

4
staff to raise awareness of the risks when working in noisy
environments
Review Date
Establishing effective risk assessment and incorporating the
process and assessment results into management activities
i.e. supervision, performance management, team meeting
agendas, management systems and procedures

Putting in place suitable control measures to reduce those

risks and establish effective monitoring of control measures

Encouraging individual responsibility to recognise and inform

management of uncontrolled risks associated with noisy
environments.

2 PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Plymouth City Councils health and safety policies, performance standards and guidance notes
should be regarded as the health and safety standard each Department, Service Unit, School and
Team is expected to achieve and against which health and safety performance will be monitored
and audited.
This Performance Standard links with and supports the Corporate Health and Safety policy.

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Procedural Flow Chart

Identify all noisy activities at
work

Identify exposure times and

noise levels and check against
Action Values

Review if
significant
change

No

Is Lower Exposure Action

Value exceeded?
Yes
Carry out risk assessment
and implement control
measures

Provide staff at risk with

hearing tests

Plan to reduce noise

exposure further

Review annually or when

there is significant change

Provide staff with

sufficient, information,
instruction, training &
supervision

Make hearing protection

available

Review if
significant
change

No

Is Upper Exposure
Action Value exceeded?
Yes
Ensure employees wear
hearing protection
provided

HSPS05 - Control of Noise at Work

Reduce noise at ear

below 87dBA

Is Limit Value Likely to

be exceeded?

Page 3 of 12

3 KEY PRINCIPLES/PROCEDURE

3.1 NOISE EXPOSURE

Personal tolerance to noise exposure varies between individuals; the Council's commitment is to
put in place procedures to limit and control excessive exposure and to monitor all relevant
employees to identify those with increased susceptibility working in noisy environments and to
take corrective measures to reduce the risk of hearing damage.
Occupational noise induced hearing loss is a reportable disease under the Reporting of Injuries,
Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR) and managers should contact
the Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team as soon as they are aware of any occurrence within the
workforce.

3.2 ACTION AND LIMIT VALUES

In order to protect your hearing the Control of Noise at Work Regulations imposes
responsibilities on the Council to ensure that particular measures are taken when personal noise
exposure reaches:

Lower Exposure Action Value 80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C)

Upper Exposure Action Value 85 dB(A) or 137 dB(C)
Exposure Limit Value
87 dB(A) or 140 dB(C)

The full text of the noise at work regulations can be found at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l108.pdf

3.3 INITIAL ACTIONS REQUIRED

The following actions are required to ensure the Department/Service Unit complies with the
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. The Departments responsible person(s) should:

Identify all areas across the Service Unit where it is foreseeable that work is carried out
where a persons daily personal noise exposure is liable to be at or above a lower
exposure action value i.e. 80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C) (see table 1 page 6)

Contact the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Team ( who can undertake formal noise
monitoring within identified areas and report findings and implications to the relevant
Head of Service and other responsible persons

In consultation with the Health, Safety & Wellbeing Team, Department Service Units
carrying out work activities likely to lead to exposure at or above a lower exposure
action value will make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk from that noise

Introduce within their Service Unit measures to eliminate or control the exposure to
noise in the workplace

ensure delivery of appropriate information, instruction and training to those persons

exposed to noise which is likely to be at or above a lower exposure action value

Ensure all employees who are exposed to noise, at or above an upper exposure action
value are placed under suitable health surveillance. However staff identified as being at
greater risk of hearing damage should be placed under health surveillance once their

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personal noise exposure reaches the lower exposure action value

Contact the Health, Safety & Well-being Team who will monitor identified areas to
determine if control measures introduced are effective and report findings and implications
to relevant Heads of Service and other relevant persons.

3.4 RISK ASSESSMENT & CONTROL MEASURES

Who should do the Risk Assessment?
The Control of Noise at Work risk assessment must follow the Corporate Health and Safety
Performance Standard Risk Assessment format.
Except in very simple cases, whoever carries out the Control of Noise at Work risk assessment
will need to:

have received suitable and sufficient training to undertake their duties

have access to, and understand, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations and other
legislation/codes of practice/guidance, or to someone else who does
be able to get all the necessary information and have the knowledge and experience to
make correct decisions about the risks and the actions needed

Responsible persons
In addition each Department or Service Unit will identify an officer(s) with overall responsibility
for the implementation of these procedures. The officer will be responsible for ensuring that all
operatives are adequately trained and that appropriate records (including risk assessments),
procurement and testing procedures are in place.
Responsible persons are recommended to seek expert advice in relation to all matters of noise
risk assessment. Departments must have arrangements in place to ensure that control measures
comply with legislation, policy and best practice.
Risk Assessment
Risk and Noise Assessments in the Workplace
Department Service Units where work is carried out which is liable to expose any persons to
noise at or above a lower exposure action value - 80dBA or135 dB(C) are required to make a
suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk from that activity.
To get a rough idea of whether a risk assessment is required you could use the simple tests in
Table 1 below.

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Table 1
Test

Probable
noise level

The noise is intrusive but normal

conversation is possible
80dB
You have to shout to talk to be
heard by someone 2 metres away 85dB
You have to shout to talk to be
heard by someone 1 metre away 90dB

A risk assessment will be

needed if the noise is like this
for more than:
6 hours
2 hours
45 minutes

A control of noise risk assessment should be based on:

(a)
(b)
(c)

observation of specific working practices

reference to information on the probable levels of noise generated by equipment under
actual working conditions
if necessary, measurement of the level of noise to which persons are likely to be exposed,
and whether any persons are likely to be exposed to noise at or above a lower exposure
action value, an upper exposure action value, or an exposure limit value.

The risk assessment should consider:

(a)

the level, type and duration of exposure, including any exposure to peak sound pressure

(b)

the effects of exposure to noise on persons or groups of persons whose health is at

particular risk from such exposure

(c)

so far as is practicable, any effects on the health and safety of persons resulting from the
interaction between noise and the use of toxic substances at work, or between noise and
vibration

(d)

any indirect effects on the health and safety of persons resulting from the interaction
between noise and audible warning signals or other sounds that need to be audible in
order to reduce risk at work

(e)

any information provided by the manufacturers of work equipment

(f)

the availability of alternative equipment designed to reduce the emission of noise

(g)

any extension of exposure to noise at the workplace beyond normal working hours,
including exposure in rest facilities supervised by the employer

(h)

appropriate information obtained following health surveillance, including, where possible,

published information

(i)

the availability of personal hearing protectors with adequate attenuation characteristics

(j)

consultation with the persons concerned (or their representatives) on the assessment of
risk.

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The competent person carrying out the risk assessment must record in the significant findings
what measures are to be taken to eliminate or control noise, what hearing protection is to be
provided and how instruction and training requirements are to be met.
The risk assessment must be reviewed if there is reason to suspect that the risk assessment is no
longer valid or if there has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment relates.

Control Measures
Elimination or control of exposure to noise at the workplace
Department Service Units must ensure that risk from exposure to noise is either eliminated at
source or, where this is not reasonably practicable, reduced to as low a level as is reasonably
practicable.
Where persons are exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value 85 dB(A)the
Service Unit must reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing
and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures (excluding the provision
of personal hearing protectors), which is appropriate to the activity. The potential measures
taken might include:
(a) other working methods which reduce exposure to noise, for example job rotation.
(b) choice of appropriate work equipment emitting the least possible noise, taking account of
the work to be done
(c) the design and layout of the workplace, work stations and rest facilities
(d) suitable and sufficient information and training for employees, to ensure work equipment is
used correctly, in order to minimise users exposure to noise
(e) reduction of noise by technical means
(f) appropriate maintenance of work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems
(g) limitation of the duration and intensity of exposure to noise
(h) appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods
(i) adapting measures to take account of any person or group of persons whose health is
likely to be particularly at risk from exposure to noise
(j) consulting on the measures to be taken to meet the requirements of this Regulation.
Department Service Units must ensure persons are not exposed to noise above an Exposure
Limit Value (87 dB(A) or peak sound pressure of 140 dB C-weighted). If an exposure limit value
is exceeded the Service Unit must immediately reduce exposure to noise to below the exposure
limit value, identify the reason for that exposure limit value being exceeded; and modify the
existing organisational and technical measures to prevent the limit being exceeded again. When
assessing whether an exposure limit value has been exceeded (at the ear) account should be taken
of the noise reduction of any hearing protection used.
Where rest facilities are made available to employees, the Service Unit must ensure that exposure
to noise in these facilities is reduced to a level suitable for the purpose and conditions of use.

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It will be the Supervisors/Lead Officers responsibility to ensure that the risk from noise exposure
in the workplace is adequately controlled through assessment of;

the task being undertaken

the risk from the equipment and
use of ototoxic substances e.g. some antibiotics and solvents.

The work should be evaluated before the task commences and, job rotation should be a
consideration wherever possible.

3.5 TRAINING
The responsible manager will ensure that all employees affected receive suitable and sufficient
information, instruction and training in order to ensure that any employees engaged on works
which may involve significant exposure to noise(at or above the lower exposure action value)
fully understand the risks involved :Managers/supervisory staff will undertake the necessary training required to fulfill the
requirements of this performance standard. Some managers may require more training than
others but the basic requirements are laid down below:

Introduction to Risk Assessment and

Control of Noise at Work for Managers/Supervisors.

Should you require training please contact the Councils Learning and Development Service in the
first instance on extension 8880. As a minimum employees working within noisy environments
would be expected to attend a control of noise at work toolbox talk delivered by the Health,
Safety and Wellbeing Team or other competent training provider (this could be the supervisor
providing they have the experience and training to give the talk)
Information, Instruction and Training
Must include:

the nature of risks from exposure to noise

the organisational and technical measures taken in order to eliminate or control noise in
the workplace
the relevant noise exposure limit values and upper and lower exposure action values
the significant findings of the risk assessment, including any measurements taken, with an
explanation of those findings
the availability and provision of personal hearing protectors and their correct use
why and how to detect and report signs of hearing damage
the entitlement to health surveillance and its purposes
safe working practices to minimise exposure to noise
the collective results of any health surveillance undertaken in a form calculated to prevent
those results from being identified as relating to a particular person.

This information, instruction and training must be updated to take account any significant changes
in the type of work carried out or the working methods used.

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Employees Duties
Employees exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) or 135
dB(C) must make full and proper use of any personal hearing protectors or any other control
measures provided to reduce exposure to noise. Additionally if an employee discovers any defect
in any personal hearing protection they must inform their supervisor as soon as is practicable.

3.6 HEALTH SURVEILLANCE

Employee Pre-Employment Screening
Plymouth City Council will identify all activities where employees may be exposed to significant
noise levels (daily personal noise exposure level above the Lower Exposure Action Value) and the
risk to employees working within these areas.
New applicants who are likely to be exposed to significant noise levels in the course of their work
will be screened by the Councils Occupational Health Provider for symptoms of hearing damage
or other medical conditions, which may restrict or prohibit work within noise environments.
Advice from the Council's occupational health provider will be considered when making offers of
employment. Where appropriate all practical adjustments will be made to accommodate any
restrictions identified.
Health Surveillance
If the risk assessment indicates that there is a risk to the health of employees who are, or are
liable to be, exposed to noise, above the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) or 137 dB(C) a
responsible manager must ensure that employees are referred to Occupational Health and placed
under a suitable health surveillance programme, which must include; a noise health questionnaire,
testing of their hearing and the keeping of relevant health surveillance records.
Individuals who may be sensitive to noise or, already have noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) and
who may be exposed at or above either of the lower exposure action values 80 dB(A) or
135 dB(C), should also have health surveillance to monitor that there is no further hearing
deterioration to date. These tests will be carried out in line with the requirements included in
the Controlling noise at work The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 L108 which can
be found at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l108.pdf
Employees must, when required by the Service Unit, present themselves during their working
hours for such health surveillance procedures (hearing tests) as may be required for the purposes
of this Regulation.
Following health surveillance, if an employee is found to have identifiable hearing damage, the
Service Unit must ensure that a referral is made to Occupational Health. If they consider that the
damage is likely to be the result of exposure to noise, the Service Unit must:
(a) ensure that a suitably qualified person informs the employee accordingly
(b) review the risk assessment
(c) review all relevant noise control measures taking into account any advice given by a doctor
or occupational health professional, or by the enforcing authority
(d) consider assigning the employee to alternative work where there is no risk from further
exposure to noise, taking into account any advice given by a doctor or occupational health
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professional
(e) ensure continued health surveillance and provide for a review of the health of any other
employee who has been similarly exposed.
Following audiometric testing the competent person will explain the results to the employee along
with any recommendations.
Vulnerable Employees
Employees who through medical screening have been identified as having a pre-existing hearing
condition or other medical circumstances, which will make them more susceptible to noise
induced hearing damage, may have extra restrictions (identified through risk assessment) with
regard to exposure placed upon them. All such employees will be individually consulted and
instructed on levels of exposure and control measures.

3.7 CONTRACT PROCEDURES

Departments and Service Units procuring work by contract from external service providers will
ensure that contractors' health and safety procedures include adequate procedures for protection
against significant exposure to noise in the workplace and that this is a requirement of the
contract. The Council will put in place measures to audit the Contractors compliance.
Responsible managers should be aware that the Control of Noise at Work Regulations also apply
in part to persons other than Council employees (for instance contractors) who may be affected
by work carried out.

3.8 PROCUREMENT PROCEDURES

Departments and Service Units will seek to hire or procure equipment producing the lowest
possible noise & vibration levels that are fit for the purpose or task being undertaken and
represent best practice and value for money.

3.9 MAINTENANCE AND USE OF EQUIPMENT

Department Service Units must ensure, so far as is practicable, that anything provided to persons
to reduce noise exposure is fully and properly used and is maintained in an efficient state, in
efficient working order and in good repair.

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4. EQUIPMENT TESTING
Departments and Service Units will identify equipment in use with high noise levels by means of
either the manufacturers technical data sheet or by using the guide rules shown in table 1 page 6.
Wherever possible noise monitoring should be used to determine the operators personal daily
noise exposure level.
Potentially Hazardous Processes and Tools
The following are examples of processes and equipment where there may be a risk of hearing
damage if adequate precautions are not taken.

Use of road breakers for as little as 5 minutes a day

Use of Strimmers and brush cutters for as little as 10 minutes a day
Use of Leaf blowers for as little as 30 minutes a day
Combination of high risk tools.

The above list is not exhaustive. It is safest to regard regular use of any tool or machine as suspect
if the noise is intrusive and normal conversation becomes difficult.

4.1 EQUIPMENT REGISTERS AND AUDITING

Departments and Service Units will put in place an equipment register that identifies all items of
equipment with the potential to expose the operator to a daily personal noise exposure level at
or above the lower exposure action value during normal use. This register will adequately identify
the equipment i.e. by type and serial number and will assist in ensuring that noise risk assessments
are not overlooked. Further data relating to actual measured noise levels and exposure times will
also be recorded where they are available. All departments must ensure that a thorough audit of
equipment is prepared and maintained.

5. HEARING PROTECTION
Department Service Units where work is likely to expose any persons to noise at or above a
lower exposure action value of 80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C), must provide, upon request, personal
hearing protectors to any person who is so exposed.
Any personal hearing protectors made available or provided must be selected to eliminate the risk
to hearing or to reduce the risk to as low a level as is reasonably practicable

5.1 Hearing Protection Zones

If in any area of the workplace persons are likely to be exposed (for any reason) to noise at or
above an upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) or 137 dB(C), the area must be designated a
Hearing Protection Zone. The area must be demarcated and identified by means of blue & white
signage indicating that ear protection must be worn, furthermore access to the area must be
restricted where this is practicable and the risk from exposure justifies it. The Service Unit must
also, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that no persons enter the zone unless they are
wearing personal hearing protectors.

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Any equipment whether; hired, purchased or personal equipment to the operative, that is likely
to expose employees (for any reason) to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, shall
have placed upon it a mandatory blue & white sticker indicating that Ear protectors shall be
worn when this equipment is in use

6 FURTHER INFORMATION, FORMS & GUIDANCE

Forms
Risk Assessment Form HSPS01

Relevant legislation
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Guidance on Regulations ISBN 9780717661640

Risk Assessment HSPS01

The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1999 Approved Code of Practice
L21
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/priced/l108.pdf
Other Guidance
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
website www.hse.gov.uk contains useful
general and topic-specific guidance, much of
which can be downloaded free of charge.
Sound advice: Control of noise at work in
music and entertainment (HSG260)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg260.ht
Health & Safety Executive. Noise Calculator:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm guidance on use

Health, Safety and Wellbeing Team

Human Resources and Organisational
Development
Plymouth City Council
Civic Centre
Plymouth
PL1 2AA
Tel: 01752 312523
Fax: 01752 304900
Email: [email protected]
Occupational Health Guide

HSE (1995) Sound Solutions. Techniques to

reduce noise at work. HSG138 HSE Books.
HSE (2005) L108 Controlling Noise at Work
The Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Corporate Health & Safety Policy
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/worried.htm
Equality Impact Assessment

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