11 Noise at Work

7/29/2019 11 Noise at Work

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The Noise at Work Regulations

1989Sources of noise: hammering

riveting

cartridge-operated tools

drilling:

a) hand drillsb) pneumatic drills

industrial machinery

engine-driven plant


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Exposure to noise

Associated hazardsAnnoyance and irritation

Affects concentration and efficiency

Fatigue and proneness to accidents

Inability to hear other sounds,instructions and warnings


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Exposure to noise

Associated hazardsShort exposure:

can lead to temporaryhearing

loss

Regular exposure:

damage to inner ear

permanent loss of hearing

Note: Occupational deafness is areportable disease


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Noise exposure levels

Three levels of dailypersonal exposure:

First action level = 85dB(A)

(You have to shout tobe heard at 2 metres)


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Noise exposure levels

Second action level =90 dB(A)

(You have to shout tobe heard at 1 metre)

Third action level = 140

dB(A) (The noise level

produced by somecartridge tools)


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Noise

First action level

Employers must:

arrange noise assessment toidentify who is at risk

make ear protectionavailable if requested

reduce noise to lowestpracticable level

set up and keep records

provide information andtraining on risk of damage toears, use of ear protectors,

etc.


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Noise

Second action level

Employers must: set up a control programme

create ear protection zones

provide and maintain earprotection

ensure ear protection isworn by anyone entering earprotection zone


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Noise

Employees must:

use ear protectors or other hearingprotection measures provided

report any defects in the hearingprotection measures provided toemployer


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Noise

Remember the general duty of employees:

co-operation with employer

compliance with the law andemployers safe systems

proper and correct use of safetyequipment


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Types of ear protection

Disposable ear plugs: correct insertion essential

not re-usable

handle only with clean hands

Re-usable ear plugs:

need regular and carefulwashing

supply and fitting by trainedperson

may need different sizes foreach ear

dirt can cause ear irritation


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Types of ear protection

Ear defenders:

must be correct type for job

will not be effective ifdamaged or worn out

must fit correctlyheadband not too tight ortoo loose

facial hair or spectacles maycause problems


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Mandatory warning sign

White symbol on a circular bluebackground with white lettering below the

symbol


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Noise Levels


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Vibration

Hand-arm vibration (HAVS):

chainsaws

hand-held rotary tools:

a) grinding

b) sandingc) polishing

Whole body vibration:

ride-on plant operators


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Vibration

Hand-held percussive tools:

metal work

riveting

chipping

hammering demolition

pneumatic drills

electric hammer drills


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Vibration

Affects: blood vessels

some nerves muscles and tendons

possibly other body organs


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Vibration

Vibration white finger is a reportable disease

Use of anti-vibration handles, etc.

Other preventative measures include:

keep your hands warm anddry

avoid tensing hand and arm muscles

break up the job into short bursts

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11 Noise at Work