According to the World Health Organisation, noise-induced hearing loss is the most prevalent irreversible industrial disease. In effect, noise is a hazard that most people encounter everywhere, including at their place of work.
Regrettably, it is rarely given due consideration, mainly because the effects are not immediately evident and can take a long time to manifest themselves. Hearing loss may not only prevent people from working to their full potential but can also destroy their social life and isolate them from the community around them.
With this in mind, and
following a campaign on occupational noise during the course of 2005, the Occupa-tional Health and Safety Authority has now issued a guidance document specifically on occupational noise.
The aim of this is to explain in a simple and easily-understood manner the concept of noise, and the health effects of exposure to high levels of noise, while at the same time helping employers comply with their legal obligations to protect their workers’ health and safety while at work.
The guidance document briefly explains the difference between noise and sound and identifies those who might be at risk from exposure to noise at work. The effects of noise on health are also explained briefly, including not only hearing impairment but also psychological effects such as stress and the effect on pregnant workers.
The principal obligations concerning noise at work are found in a set of regulations entitled the Work Place (Minimum Health and Safety Requirements for the Protection of Workers from Risks resulting from exposure to Noise) Regulations, which will be issued in the next few days. These regulations amend and repeal the current legislation on occupational noise.
The guide clearly outlines the legal framework and explains the daily and weekly noise exposure levels present at work (including impulsive noise) and the upper exposure action values at which the employer is required to take specific steps to reduce the negative effects of noise. The reader is then guided through the principles of noise reduction and control, as well as the various means of identifying noise hazards such as detailed assessments and consultation with employees.
The control of risks from noise is explained in detail and includes containment, sound insulation and absorption and enclosures. The guide takes into consideration both existing and new machinery and installations.
Particular attention is then given to one of the main principles of occupational health and safety to control risks at their source, in this case, noise.
Information is also given on hearing protection programmes and on the various ways of measuring sound, including sound level meters, microphones and noise dose meters.
Copies of this guidance document are available for Lm2 and can be collected in person from the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, 17 Edgar Ferro Street, Pieta’ or by ordering a copy on telephone 2124-7677/8 or email [email protected]