The Noise at Work Regulations 1989

1
The Noise at Work Regulations 1989

• Sources of noise
• hammering
• riveting
• cartridge-operated tools
• drilling
• a) hand drills
• b) pneumatic drills
• industrial machinery
• engine-driven plant

2
Exposure to noiseAssociated hazards

• Annoyance and irritation
• Affects concentration and efficiency
• Fatigue and proneness to accidents
• Inability to hear other sounds, instructions and
  warnings

3
Exposure to noiseAssociated hazards

• Short exposure
• can lead to temporary hearing loss
• Regular exposure
• damage to inner ear
• permanent loss of hearing
• Note Occupational deafness is a reportable
  disease

4
Noise exposure levels

• Three levels of daily personal exposure
• First action level 85 dB(A)
• (You have to shout to be heard at 2 metres)

5
Noise exposure levels

• Second action level 90 dB(A)
• (You have to shout to be heard at 1 metre)
• Third action level 140 dB(A)
• (The noise level produced by some cartridge tools)

6
Noise

• First action level
• Employers must
• arrange noise assessment to identify who is at
  risk
• make ear protection available if requested
• reduce noise to lowest practicable level
• set up and keep records
• provide information and training on risk of
  damage to ears, use of ear protectors, etc.

7
Noise

• Second action level
• Employers must
• set up a control programme
• create ear protection zones
• provide and maintain ear protection
• ensure ear protection is worn by anyone entering
  ear protection zone

8
Noise

• Employees must
• use ear protectors or other hearing protection
  measures provided
• report any defects in the hearing protection
  measures provided to employer

9
Noise

• Remember the general duty of employees
• co-operation with employer
• compliance with the law and employers safe
  systems
• proper and correct use of safety equipment

10
Types of ear protection

• Disposable ear plugs
• correct insertion essential
• not re-usable
• handle only with clean hands
• Re-usable ear plugs
• need regular and careful washing
• supply and fitting by trained person
• may need different sizes for each ear
• dirt can cause ear irritation

11
Types of ear protection

• Ear defenders
• must be correct type for job
• will not be effective if damaged or worn out
• must fit correctly headband not too tight or
  too loose
• facial hair or spectacles may cause problems

12
Mandatory warning sign

• White symbol on a circular blue background with
  white lettering below the symbol

13
Noise Levels
14
Vibration

• Hand-arm vibration (HAVS)
• chainsaws
• hand-held rotary tools
• a) grinding
• b) sanding
• c) polishing
• Whole body vibration
• ride-on plant operators

15
Vibration

• Hand-held percussive tools
• metal work
• riveting
• chipping
• hammering
• demolition
• pneumatic drills
• electric hammer drills

16
Vibration

• Affects
• blood vessels
• some nerves
• muscles and tendons
• possibly other body organs

17
Vibration

• Vibration white finger is a reportable disease
• Use of anti-vibration handles, etc.
• Other preventative measures include
• keep your hands warm and dry
• avoid tensing hand and arm muscles
• break up the job into short bursts