1. Noise at Work

2. What is noise? Unpleasant or unwanted sound

3. Likelihood of Damage Depends mainly on: Volume Frequency Exposure time Can be work exposure, social exposure or both

4. Damage can include: Temporary 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

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

6. 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

7. Frequency of Sound Infra-Normal Ultra- SoundSound Sound

8. 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

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

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

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