Noise at Work

Under the Regulations employers must:

• Assess the risks to employees from noise at work;
• Take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks;
• Provide employees with hearing protection if reduction of noise cannot be made by using other methods;
• Make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded;
• Provide employees with information, instruction and training;

Hearing loss caused by work is preventable. However, once hearing has gone it does not come back. As a result of not adhering to UK Regulations, some 17,000 people now suffer from deafness, ringing in the ears and other ear conditions caused by excessive noise at work.

This Noise at Work eLearning Course provides a detailed explanation of what sound is, how it is measured and how the human ear works. Furthermore, it details how certain levels of sound for long periods, can affect the ear causing hearing damage and loss. Hearing loss can be gradual or sudden.

Users will learn how to identify the source of potentially damaging noise and how noise exposure can be reduced. In addition, cost effective solutions are suggested. The course also emphasises the importance of a noise risk assessment. The risk assessment must include measurements of sound levels at different locations and an estimate of how long each person is exposed to that noise.

As a result of completing the course, users will understand the hierarchy of controls employers have to consider when managing noise.  This must start with eliminating and reducing noise. Safe systems of work should always be followed. Additionally, hearing protection should only be used if fitted and maintained correctly. Finally, hearing surveillance should be carried out to highlight early signs of hearing damage.

Main sections in this Noise at Work online training:

• Overview
• Noise Hazards
• Noise controls
• Final Test

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