Talk:Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

Lots of problems with this article
This page needs to be re-written as it is currently incorrect.

Firstly, the "Limits" section is incorrect, inaccurate and incomplete. There are two exposure action values (as opposed to limits) as well as the exposure limit value. The upper and lower exposure action values should be worked out without the benefit of hearing protection and determine the points at which various duties are placed on employees and employers. The exposure limit value can take into account the benefit of hearing protection and is the limit above which it would be illegal to expose a person to.

Under the Regulations, there is a duty to eliminate the risk to employees from noise exposure at source, even where none of the noise exposure action values have been exceeded. Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, then there is a duty to reduce the risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP).

Where the upper exposure action value is exceeded, the requirement becomes more stringent. The Regulations state that the employer must implement a programme of organisational and technical measures, without resorting to the provision of hearing protection. In general, the requirement is to:

i)	identify what is possible to control noise exposures, how much reduction could be achieved and what is reasonably practicable; ii)	establish priorities for action and a timetable; iii)	assign responsibilities to individuals to deliver the various parts of the programme; iv)	ensure that work is carried out; and v)	check that what has been implemented has been effective.

Hearing protection may not be relied upon to control the risk, unless as a last resort against residual noise after all reasonably practicable noise control measures have been implemented.

There are various other duties regarding provision of hearing protection, information, training, health surveillance and regarding use of equipment. However, the main emphasis of the regulations is about reducing or controlling noise (emphasised by putting "control of" in the name). — Preceding unsigned comment added by Sjs1212 (talk • contribs) 10:59, 21 February 2012 (UTC)