Sound advice on measuring noise

Exposure to excessive noise is a major occupational hazard with prolonged over-exposure potentially leading to noise induced hearing loss. Today almost 10 million people in the UK have some degree of hearing loss with that figure expected to rise to around 14.5 million by 2031, so it’s important for employers to act now.

All too often the need to monitor noise levels is seen as a headache and is left until inevitably, unbudgeted and unexpected costs are signed off when a consultant is called in at the last minute to ensure compliance.

In June 2015, the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) launched its ‘Listen Today, Hear Tomorrow’ campaign to highlight the problem of long term hearing loss and to offer advice on how to tackle the issue. The BSIF campaign acknowledges that hearing protection is not the ultimate solution for protecting workers and technical and management noise control measures are required.

While hearing protection, such as ear plugs and earmuffs are worn by workers to protect them against excessive noise, the best way to reduce hearing loss is by preventing it in the first place. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations came into force for Great Britain on 6 April 2006 with the aim of the Regulations to ensure that workers' hearing is protected from excessive noise at their place of work.

Under the legislation you need to assess the risk of hazardous noise levels and this needs to be carried out by a competent individual. As a result, it is crucial for companies to have a trained professional who is able to monitor their working environment and advise them on the actions that need to be taken to prevent employees suffering occupational hearing loss.

In order to save time and be cost effective, noise monitoring can be carried out by an existing employee, who is trained to the required level of competence outlined by the Noise at Work Regulations. 

Learn how to monitor noise

As an expert in noise monitoring, Casella is dedicated to reducing occupational health and environmental impact risks through effective monitoring solutions. The company can offer clear and simple advice on how to monitor noise and provide guidance on choosing the most appropriate hearing protection if required, with the aim of reducing long term hearing loss in workers.   

For example, if you are currently considering assessing your workplace noise levels, Casella runs one-day Noise at Work courses at its headquarters near Bedford. The course covers a basic understanding of noise in terms of measuring frequency and amplitude. Participants learn what the ‘3dB’ rule is and how noise can affect a person’s hearing in different ways.

Under the section on legislation, participants are taught what actions are required in lower, upper and above upper exposure levels. Hands-on training takes place using sound level meters and dosimeters to show the variety of instruments available to monitor noise. Participants are shown how to turn the readings from the noise monitors and dosimeters into values that help them determine the most appropriate form of hearing protection, if required, for the worker. At the end of the course, participants sit a test and – once completed successfully – are awarded a certificate in measuring and reporting of noise in the workplace.

Hearing loss caused by work is preventable but once your hearing, or that of your workers, has gone it won't come back. Employers have a responsibility to ensure their employees are not exposed to excessive noise. Monitoring for noise is a worthwhile preventative measure that can be done by a competent person without it being too time-consuming or costing a fortune.