Put Noise Control First Says Bureau Veritas

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Bureau Veritas is urging construction companies to review its noise control procedures to ensure they are fully compliant to Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (CoNAWR).

According to the Health & Safety Executive, the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is now 80 decibels (dB) and they must provide hearing protection when noise levels reach 85dB. There is also an exposure limit value of 87dB, taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, above which workers must not be exposed.

A requirement of CoNAWR is that wherever possible, noise should be eliminated or if not possible, reduced to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’. The responsibility is first on the business to achieve this by putting procedures in place to reduce noise, with personal protective equipment, such as earplugs and ear defenders, a secondary measure only.

The HSE has strict guidelines in place for businesses, to ensure employees are only subjected to a level of noise which isn’t damaging to their health. Noise and vibration within the working environment can affect the health of individuals, such as causing medical problems and even reducing productivity if noise is not appropriately assessed and treated.

 “As well as workplace noise, construction firms that are planning a new development which has the potential to produce noise and/or vibration that could affect existing residential or other noise-sensitive areas, should also undertake a noise assessment as part of license permit or planning applications.”

– Richard Cope 

Technical director, Bureau Veritas/p>

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Cope adds: “It’s imperative that employers are vigilant and stay on top of health and safety obligations, ensuring that an appropriate and adequate strategy is in place, which in-turn will protect employees and help achieve long-term compliance.

“Understandably, it can be overwhelming for companies to manage this process, especially when new sources of noise are introduced, whilst still managing day to day processes. As a global leader in testing, inspection and certification, Bureau Veritas has the knowledge and experience to help companies reduce risk and build a responsible, safe and sustainable business.”

Picture: Companies should review their noise control procedures to ensure they are fully compliant to Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

www.bureauveritas.co.uk

Article written by Cathryn Ellis
22nd July 2021

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