Page 20 - HIL Operatives Training Manual V4 16022024_Neat

O P E R A T I V E S T R A I N I N G M A N U A L V E R S I O N 4

1.19 Noise and Hearing Conservation: Code of Practice
It is the Company policy to minimise the exposure of all personnel to noise and to promote the
awareness of possible occupational noise induced hearing loss.
The Noise at Work Regulations values are:

Lower exposure action values:

• daily or weekly exposure of 80 dB;
• peak sound pressure of 135 dB;
Upper exposure action values:

• daily or weekly exposure of 85 dB;
• peak sound pressure of 137 dB.

Works Mangers, Engineers and Foremen of areas with noisy activities are responsible for
the implementation of this policy and the observance of the following code of practice in
areas under their control. They must also ensure compliance with all relevant legislation,
in particular the Noise at Work Regulations 2005
Where employees have reason to believe that the noise level approaches the first action level
this is to be reported to the relevant Foreman / Manager who will seek advice from the
Company's Health and Safety Consultant.

A noise hazard is likely to exist when 2 people with normal hearing have to raise their
voices in order to understand each other from a distance of approximately 2 meters.

The Company will, whenever any employee is exposed to the first action level of a Lepd of
80dB (A) or above on premises or places where the Company exercises control, ensure that
a competent person carries out a noise assessment which is adequate for that purpose.

To assess noise exposure over the whole working day it is probable that some personal
noise exposure monitoring will be necessary and all personnel are to co-operate.
The results of the noise assessment should be forwarded to the Project Engineer. The
Foreman, Managing Director or Project Engineer for the area concerned will be responsible
for planning and implementing any recommendations and for arranging any necessary
monitoring and review.
Following any noise assessment, a record will be maintained and further assessments will be
carried out if there is reason to believe that the assessment is no longer valid. This may be
where there has been a significant change in the work to which the assessment relates, or in
any case every five years.

Where noise levels are found to be identified as on the lower level signage will be displayed
warning employees.

The Company will so far as is reasonably practicable, seek ways to reduce or eradicate the
noise before considering the issue of personal protective hearing equipment, where this is not
possible, they will issue suitable hearing protection and strongly recommend its use to all
employees who may be affected, ensuring they are all aware of the risks from noise induced
hearing loss and what steps can be taken to minimise the risk.

Where hearing protection is provided for the use of employees in ear protection zones
employees have a legal duty to wear such equipment.

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