1. Noise at Work Awareness of Noise and Hearing Protection in the
University of Sheffield

2. Scope of the Problem
In the UK there are over 170,000 people with significant work-related hearing damage
14,200 are serious enough affected to receive disablement benefit

3. Noise is an ancient problem!
Roman poets complained about the racket of iron cart-wheels on the cobbles

4. What is noise? Unpleasant or unwanted sound
When unwanted noise gets loud enough
It is unpleasant
It is distracting
It is tiring & stressful
Higher levels cause permanent hearing damage

5. Likelihood of Damage Depends mainly on: Volume (loudness)
Frequency (pitch)
Exposure time
Can be work exposure, social exposure or both

6. Damage can include: Temporary hearing loss Permanent hearing loss
hearing returns after a short period away from noise
Permanent hearing loss
Permanent damage or destruction of hair cells in the ears.
Hearing cannot be restored

7. Signs of developing hearing loss
Inability to hear soft or high pitched sounds
Trouble understanding conversation at a distance or in a crowd
Ringing in the ears
Others can hear something you can’t

8. There is no cure for hearing damage!
Normal hearing can never be restored
Hearing aids do not restore noise-damaged hearing
At best, they help the person a little

9. Frequency of Sound
Infra- Normal Ultra-
Sound Sound Sound

10. Noise Levels Ear is most sensitive to normal frequency sound
The dBA scale takes this into account when measuring noise levels

11. Measurement of Noise Loudness is measured in decibels
170 dB Jet airliner
120 dB Riveting hammer
110 dB Shouting loudly
70 dB Street sounds
38 dB Quiet bedroom
This is a logarithmic scale – an increase of 1dB means about 30% more noise

12. What Law applies?
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Commencement date April 2006 except for music industry)
The Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974

13. Risk Assessment Observe procedures Refer to standard data
If necessary, measure noise levels
Compare with action levels
Identify control measures

14. Action and Limit Values
Lower action value (LAV)
80dBA – 8hrs Peak – 135dBA
Upper action value (UAV)
85dBA – 8hrs Peak – 137dBA
Exposure limit value (ELV)
87dBA – 8hrs Peak – 140dBA
Can take account of hearing protection

15. If your average daily exposure is over 80dB(A)
The employer must:
Inform you of the risks to your hearing from noise and how you can reduce those risks
Make hearing protective equipment available

16. If your average daily exposure is over 85dB(A)
Your employer must:
Try to reduce noise at source
Provide hearing protection & insist on its use
Identify & sign ear protection zones
Conduct noise assessments & keep records of them
Provide hearing checks if requested

17. If your average daily exposure is over 87dB(A)
This is a maximum & must not be exceeded
Noise to the ear must be reduced
Preferably at source
Otherwise by hearing protection

18. Control of Noise Preferably eliminate or reduce it at source eg
Maintenance & lubrication
Anti-vibration mounting
Sound absorbing materials
Enclosure
Reducing exposure time

19. Hearing protection Ear Plugs Must be kept clean (many are single use)
Must be put in properly (there is a special technique)
Generally comfortable to wear especially in hot weather

20. Hearing protection Canal Caps Like in-ear ear plugs on a headband
Pleasant to wear
Often do not completely seal in the ear
Generally not a good idea for >85dB for prolonged periods

21. Hearing protection Ear Muffs
Must fit snugly – one size fits most people
Generally very effective if worn properly – beware of glasses
Tend to be uncomfortable in hot weather
Special types available eg. for wearing safety helmets, for workers near high voltage
Can be shared but cleaning routine required

22. Hearing protection
The effectiveness of hearing protection varies according to type, manufacture and correct wearing.
Most will reduce noise at the ear by about dBA
Don’t over-protect or warnings may not be audible

23. Hearing protection Ensure it is suitable for the job
Regular maintenance & record keeping required
Home-made protectors don’t work (eg cotton wool)
Wear it when you are supposed to – you MUST BY LAW

24. Hearing protection Try to limit your time in noisy areas
Remember the effect is cumulative

25. Hearing protection Protect your hearing in a social context too eg:
Loud music
Personal stereos
Car entertainment
DIY & garden tools

26. Don’t take noise for granted!
Hearing damage creeps up on you
Once it has happened, there is no cure

27. Further Advice? Contact Safety Services
The Health & Safety Executive have a useful leaflet which can be found: