New Control of Noise at Works Regulations next April – but start thinking about the implications NOW so that costs are budgeted for:
- Action levels will be reduced and there will be a requirement for increased health surveillance
- Designers will need to consider the implications for construction so that they specify or anticipate the use of quieter forms of construction
- New Publication available: “Controlling noise at work. Guidance on the control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005” L108, ISBN 0-7176-6164-4 HSE Books. This book replaces the 1998 edition of L108 (ISBN 0-7176-1511-1). The new Regulations will come into force on 6 April 2006 and will repeal the existing Noise at Work Regulations 1989. There will be a two year transitional period for the music and entertainment industry until 6 April 2008.
Construction Noise will probably be a much bigger issue in 2006:
- Site operations are noisy and the new Noise at Work Action Levels will mean that virtually all operations on construction sites will fall above the first action level – so having a direct consequence for contractors and those who decide what processes have to be carried out (including designers).
- HSE inspections are likely to focus on noise at work issues when visiting sites
- There will also be a likelihood that Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) issues will be given a once-over at at the same time as many noisy processes also create HAV problems.
- Designers should avoid need for use of hand tools which cause HAV problems
New DEFRA construction noise data available to help designers and contractors reduce site noise:
- Designer decisions often predetermine methods of construction
- New DEFRA noise data available on www.defra.gov.uk/environment/noise/research/index.htm(link opens in new window) can help designers understand what is noisy and what quieter construction alternatives could be deployed
