Assessing noise levels with respect to statutory limits, including the Noise at Work Regulations 1989, is a primary function of Acoustics Plus . The design of noise control systems for plant that is both effective and practicable requires not only a sound understanding of how noise is generated and how it can be controlled, but also how the equipment needs to be used.
Industrial noise affecting the community is a commonly occurring problem particularly where operations are carried out during the night. The correct assessment of such noise requires not only detailed measurements, but tactful liaison with Local Authorities, affected parties and, often, legal representatives. Again noise control measures proposed should be cost effective and practicable.
Construction site noise can cause problems for both the workers on the construction site and people living nearby. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Control of Pollution Act 1974 set down the statutory position in regard of noise arising from construction site activity. Covering planning, demolition and construction phases, Acoustics Plus¬Ý is able to provide a comprehensive service to
- predict noise impact
- liase with Local Authorities
- design and development of monitoring and control programs
- Section 61 consent for works
- advice regarding sensible noise limits at sensitive properties
Noise at Work
According to data collected by the European Commission, noise induced illness is the third most important industrial illness in the European Community after pneumoconiosis and dermatitis. It has been estimated that over 1.5 million people in Britain are presently exposed to high levels of noise at work (ie>80 dBA throughout the day) with the costs to the economy, in terms of sickness and industrial injury benefits, compensation settlements and noise control measures, estimated at over £650 million per year.
The law addresses this issue through both the common law tort of negligence and the statutory controls enshrined in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Noise at Work Regulations 1989. The Noise at Work Regulations which came into force on 1st January 1990 represent the UK governments implementation of EC Directive 86/188 on the Protection of Workers from the Risks related to Exposure to Noise at Work.
The Noise at Work Regulations define 3 Action Levels as follows:
- First Action Level ’Äì a daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d) of 85 dBA ’Äì it is estimated that about 1.7 million workers are in this category in the UK.
- Second Action Level ’Äì a daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d) of 90 dBA ’Äì about 600,000 workers.
Under the legislation, an employer must arrange for a noise assessment to be performed whenever an employee is likely to be exposed at or above the First or Peak Action Level. The objectives of the assessment are twofold; to identify all workers likely to be exposed¬Ý and to provide information to indicate precisely where and what action is needed.
In 1993, the European Commission (EC) proposed a ’Äúphysical agents’Äù directive to regulate the impact in the workplace of physical agents such as noise and vibration. Six years later it was decided that the regulations should be introduced in phases to reduce the burden on business. The first ’Äúannex’Äù deals with vibration and the second deals with noise. It will repeal the 1986 EC Noise Directive (implemented in the UK as the Noise at Work Regulations 1989). Exposure to noise will be¬Ý to an average of 87 dBA over the course of a week and employers have to ’Äúmake every effort’Äù to ensure staff wear hearing protection if noise levels exceed 85 dBA. Draft guidance on the Noise Directive was published by the government in April. Consultation will take place until the end of June, proposals and guidance will be published in October 2005 and regulations will come into force in February 2006. Employers will have to show on the balance of probability that they have done all they can to comply with the law.
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