Exposure to high noise levels will cause noise induced hearing loss or conditions such as tinnitus. The damage to hearing is slow, painless but permanent. If your staff have to raise their  voices to be heard by someone about 2 meters away, the noise level is probably excessive and a risk assessment should be undertaken. BEMA are able to carry out the noise risk assessment and can identify practical solutions to your problems.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005
The new Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 6th April 2006, replacing the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 and introducing lower noise exposure action limits and values. The aim of the new regulations is to ensure that workers are protected from excessive noise levels by controlling exposure The existing action levels were both be reduced by 5dB(A) and replaced by action values of 80dB(A) and 85dB(A) respectively.

Lower Exposure Action Value:
Employers must provide information and training, and undertake a risk assessment where a daily or weekly employee exposure of 80dB(A) is exceeded.

Upper Exposure Action Value:
Hearing protection must be provided and hearing protection zones identified when workers exceed a daily or weekly exposure of 85dB(A).

Exposure Limit Value:
There is also a limit of 87dB(A) above which workers must not be exposed. This takes account of any reduction in exposure due to the provision of hearing protection

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