Workplace Noise Assessments
Wave Dynamics provide the full scope of workplace noise (Occupational) assessments to industry
Occupational noise refers to the level of sound energy that reaches an employee’s ears while they are working in an industrial setting. It is commonly associated with occupational safety and health because prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Noise at work is governed by the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. These regulations address a wide range of health and safety issues, including noise in the workplace.
Specifically, Part 5 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 deals with “Control of Noise at Work.” It sets out the requirements and obligations for employers in relation to protecting workers from excessive noise exposure.
The regulations require employers to assess and manage the risks associated with noise in the workplace. They outline the responsibilities of employers to:
- Assess the noise levels in the workplace.
- Take appropriate measures to eliminate or reduce noise exposure.
- Provide hearing protection where necessary.
- Inform and train employees on the risks and protective measures related to noise.
- Establish procedures for monitoring and surveillance of noise levels.
The regulations also specify exposure limit values and action values that employers should adhere to, based on the daily noise exposure of workers.
Conducting a noise risk assessment has now become a regulatory requirement in most workplaces, whether they are industrial or commercial, including factories, call centers, offices, nightclubs, bars, and transportation services by train, air, or road.
During the risk assessment, the levels of noise that employees are exposed to are measured. It is then determined whether any employees are subjected to noise levels equal to or exceeding specific thresholds, such as a lower exposure action value, an upper exposure action value, or an exposure limit value. The exposure of employees to noise should be controlled or eliminated.