Understanding Noise

As leaders in the provision of custom hearing protection solutions, Sonomax UK understand about the problems caused by excessive noise in the workplace and entertainment venues. We are committed to raising awareness and promoting hearing health.

UK Statistics and Facts

Approximately 9 million people in the UK have a hearing loss. This is approximately 19% of the population or 1 in every seven people. (Ref London Hazards Centre)

Exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage.

Hearing loss is the most common sensory disability in the developed world and is one of the major reasons for people to be referred to hospital. (Ref Deafness Research UK)

Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational disease. Recent research estimates that 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.

Control of Noise at Work Regulations The Regulations implement the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive (2003/10/EC) which tightens the legal requirements in relation to noise by lowering the exposure action values. The regulations came into force on 6 April 2006 for most industries, and 6 April 2008 for the music and entertainment industry. Directive 2003/10/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (noise), which will repeal Directive 86/188/EEC, was adopted on 9 December 2002 and came into force on 15 February 2003. The Directive tightens the legal requirements in relation to noise by lowering the exposure action values to 80 and 85dB(A).

Operation SDS Hammer drills Grinding Guillotining Multi-spindle automatic turning Circular sawing - metal Pressing - blanking Pressing - punch pressing Rivetting Vibratory bowl feeder General noise - fabrication shop Decibels 90-105 85-100 95-100 95-105 95-105 95-110 110-120 100-110 90-100 85-95 Actual noise levels could be much higher than illustrated

For time dependant noise levels ‘A’ weighted for an 8 hour day, hearing protection is now advised at 80dB(A), the lower action level. Hearing protection will be compulsory at 85dB(A), the upper Action level. There is also a maximum exposure level being introduced stating that no worker may be exposed to more than 87dB(A) 8 hour equivalent.
The action levels for impact noise are also being amended. The lower action level for impact is 112pa peak level (equivalent to 135dB) and upper impact level is 140pa (137dB). The maximum
exposure limit is 200pa (140dB) The table below illustrates the changes being implemented
(Ref www.hse.gov.uk)

Home | The Sono Solution | Products | Partners | News & Information | Contact Us Site Map

Sonomax is a registered trademark of Sonomax Hearing Healthcare Inc. | Site created and maintained by WSI

Sonomax UK Ltd, The Annex, 1 Bells End Road, Walton on Trent, Derbyshire, DE12 8ND, Tel 01283 716499