What Is The Legislation On Noise Levels In The Workplace?
In the UK, the Noise at Work regulations state that employers must take action to protect their employees’ hearing. Because we all know that prevention is way better than any tinnitus treatment. Employees must be warned about the possible damage that could occur at volumes of 85 decibels and over and employers must provide hearing protection in the form of special ear defenders (like large headphones) or earplugs. At volumes of over 90 decibels, employers must ensure that hearing protection is worn and must identify ‘quiet’ zones in the workplace so that employees can take a break from the noise. As stated above, though, this exceeds the level that is safe for people who already have auditory damage. Moreover, noise safety levels vary in different countries. In Canada, for instance, the Occupational Health and Safety Act allows noise in the workplace of up to 90 decibels.
In 1989, in a bid to reduce hearing damage and offset several tinnitus causes, UK noise regulations were based on European standards, moderated as far as the UK could manage. In 2006, however, the regulations were upgraded and the limit for noise in the workplace was reduced by 5 decibels, or 75 per cent. Previously, there had been no maximum exposure limit, but, since 2006, the top limit has been 87 decibels. The regulations are split into two action levels.
For the first action level – 80 decibels (previously 85 decibels) – employers must do the following:
- assess the levels of noise produced by different processes and maintain records of these;
- provide noise-related information, instructions and training for employees;
- make sure they use noise-reduction equipment supplied by the manufacturers;
- advise their employees that they are entitled to wear ear protection;
- provide ear protection to employees who ask for it;
- ensure that ear protection is maintained and repaired.
For the second action level – 85 decibels (previously 90 decibels) – employers must do the following:
- reduce employees’ exposure to noise by means other than ear protection;
- clearly mark ear protection zones, to give employees’ ears a rest;
- provide ear protection to employees exposed to noise in the workplace and ensure that it is even used in ear protection zones.
- provide a copy of Tinnitus Miracle to people who believe they may be suffering with tinnitus.
At 80 decibels, workers are not obligated to use ear protection, but they must use the other protective equipment supplied and report any defects. At 85 decibels, employees must wear the ear protection provided. However, the new regulations make it clear that protective equipment should be a temporary measure until the noise is eliminated or at least reduced or isolated. Ear protection is not ideal for the following reasons:
- it interferes with communication and isolates the wearer;
- it places the responsibility for safety on employees not employers;
- it can lead to complacency about the noise problem;
- it can easily be damaged;
- skill is required in choosing and using it correctly;
- it needs to be regularly maintained.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that approximately 1.3 million individuals are exposed to noise levels in the workplace that are potentially damaging and an additional 170,000 suffer already from tinnitus or hearing loss. According to Deafness Research UK, a third of people employed in noisy jobs leave work at the end of the day with dulled hearing and 20 per cent develop persistent tinnitus. A number of studies are investigating the possibility of reducing noise levels in industry. Also, as several police officers and call centre workers have brought damage cases after wearing in-ear amplification devices, such devices are now being thoroughly researched.