5 April 2004 - Consultation on New Noise at Work Regulations
The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has today published a consultative document on the proposed regulations implementing the European Physical Agents (Noise) Directive and guidance on who it affects and what to do to comply.
The main aims of the new regulations is to prevent deafness or persistent ringing in the ears (tinnitus) caused by noise, once the damage is done it is permanent. It replaces a 1986 Directive (86/188/EC) on this subject that was implemented in the UK by the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.
The main changes from the existing regulations are:
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the 1st and 2nd Action Levels will be reduced by 5dB(A) to 80dB(A) and 85dB(A) respectively
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limit of 87 dB on personal noise exposure
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the Peak Action Level of 140dB(C) will be replaced with 1st and 2nd Peak Action Levels of 135dB(C) and 137dB(C) Peak respectively.
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a Maximum Exposure Level Limit of 87dB(A) and 140dB(C) Peak at the ear will be introduced which includes any hearing protection.
The new regulations will come into force in February 2006.
Bill Callaghan, Chair of the Health and Safety Commission, commented:
“This is a key stage. I appreciate that the document is lengthy. I hope that does not put anyone off responding. Please take this opportunity to assist in making these regulations and the associated guidance workable and useful.”
Hugh Robertson, Head of Health and Safety at the TUC, also commented:
"The TUC has long campaigned for stronger measures to protect workers from the effects of noise, and welcomes the consultation, which will hopefully lead to new, more effective measures to help prevent hearing loss caused by work.”
A wide
range of industries and occupations will be affected, in particular
construction, engineering, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, mining,
quarrying, music and entertainment and the armed forces.
Alison Wright-Reid, an expert working with orchestral musicians on noise
issues, a freelance consultant qualified in occupational hygiene, acoustics
and health and safety management. The author of the report for the
Association of British Orchestras, A Sound Ear, which explores the issues of
noise damage in orchestras, welcomes the changes:
“Obviously, controlling noise exposure in an orchestra is a challenge, but musicians suffer and they need to be protected. Compliance doesn’t mean giving up and going home – the orchestra noise teams I’ve worked with are ingenious, practical and daring in devising ways to protect players’ hearing. I’m now working with the HSE and other stakeholders to produce practical guidance for the sector.”
A two-year transitional period, until February 2008, gives some time during which specific guidance can be produced for the UK music sector. HSE is working alongside stakeholders from the music and entertainment sector to draft this guidance.
The HSE press release can be found here.
Copies of the consultation document, Consultation Document 196 - Proposals for new Control of Noise at Work Regulations implementing the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive (2003/10/EC), can be accessed via the HSE's website here.
Article of interest from Eckel here.
Comments on HSC's proposals should be sent to the HSE before 21 June 2004.
