Noise Hazards and Risks

Make sure you're aware of the hazards in your workplace to avoid permanent hearing damage

Permanent hearing damage results when the noise levels are too high, or it continues for too long or too often.

With the new PPE Regulation that came into force in April 2018, there is a greater emphasis on life-changing occupational illnesses which are now receiving the attention they deserve. The new regulation has reclassified all hearing protection against harmful noise to Category III (Complex), which is designed to protect against very serious risk where the hazard is not immediately obvious. The effects of hearing loss are now being recognised as being severely damaging to a person's quality of life.

So, What are the Main Risks Associated with Noise at Work?

There are strict legal exposure limits with regards to noise levels at work. Short-term exposure to excessive noise produces varying degrees of inner ear damage that is initially reversible but can become permanent through regular exposure. The peak sound pressure anyone can be exposed to is 137 decibels, while there are daily or weekly exposure limits of 87 decibels¹ and exposure action values set at 80 and 85 decibels.

Whether your team work on a glass bottling line, with freezers or wheeled trollies or are involved in milling and sawing operations, the risk to health and hearing is clear, so it's important to have a good idea of the noise hazards around them.

The Control of Noise Regulation's Action Values

Loud noise can be part of everyday life for people in certain industries. From packaging and bottling to milling and sawing, the chances of being exposed to noise levels above the ordinary are high.

The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Noise Regulations 206) gives action and limit values that are trigger points for action to protect employees.

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Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Exposure to regular and long lasting noise damages the sensitive hair cells in the ear, which can result in permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) or tinnitus.

When the tiny hair cells cannot be repaired or replaced, long-term damage happens.

It can be difficult to identify and detect because the effects can come on gradually over a long period.

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Over-protection

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) stipulates that hearing protection that reduces the level of noise below 70 decibels should be avoided. This is because this level of protection can cause difficulties with communication and hearing warning signals in hazardous environments.

This can lead to safety risks, and also means that if a worker has to regularly remove their hearing protection to communicate, they could be risking damage to their hearing anyway.

Over-protection is why it's imperative that workers have the correct protective equipment in the right environment.

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Recommended Products

View our comprehensive range of hearing protection products including earplugs, ear defenders and communication solutions.

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Code:3M0323

| Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:2M0025

€136.85

Pairs | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:210100

Pairs | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:3M0513

€3,266.08

Each | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:2S4300

Each | Ex VAT Inc VAT

Code:2S3800

€215.42

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Code:B423560

€383.33

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Honeywell Sync Wireless Impact - 1034321-0, Bluetooth headset with hearthrough function Generic dimension One Size

Code:290200

€534.68

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It-39 Pro+Aware Bluetooth LD Ear Plugs Pack Size (prs) 1

Code:1739200

€187.40

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IT-35 Link+Aware Bluetooth LD Ear Defenders Primary Base Colour Green Secondary Base Colour Black

Code:2R5000

€187.40

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Sources and Useful References

1 HSE Employers' responsibility - legal duties

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Noise Hazards and Risks

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So, What are the Main Risks Associated with Noise at Work?

The Control of Noise Regulation's Action Values

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)

Over-protection

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