NOISE SAFETY ARTICLES
A blog of articles and general information on all things relating to noise assessments or noise surveys at work, or managing employee noise exposure risks.
Advice and information on occupational noise assessments and general tips for managing noise safety risks at work.
Noise assessments ● Hearing protection ● Health surveillance ● Noise Training
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Best hearing protection for riding a motorbike?
Noise levels can be very high when riding a motorbike - easily in the mid-90s dB(A) which can damage hearing. Ear plugs need to be enough to remove some of the noise but not isolate you from traffic, and they need to be soft and not painful under the helmet. These are some recommendations.
Effectiveness of plasterboard walls in reducing noise levels
The humble plasterboard wall can be a good noise control measure and can help separate personnel from noise risks. While dense, plasterboard is not completely solid and the small gaps in the boards can give quite a good noise insulation, typically reducing levels by around 20dB.
Noise levels in an office
A common question which comes up on noise assessments is what classes a dangerous noise in an office environment, with people asking what the safe levels are for noise in offices. The issue is often more about distracting noise rather than dangerous noise.
Risks to pregnant women and unborn babies from high noise
A client recently asked me if pregnant women are OK to work in an environment with a noise level which is considered ‘high’, so over 85 dB(A), or whether the noise can cause risk to either the pregnancy or foetus. That was an interesting one so I looked into it further.
Effectiveness of enclosures and curtains as a noise control method
When you do a noise assessment it is tempting to reach straight for the hearing protection but there are some steps all employers need to follow first, including containing noise to keep the noise in one area and the humble plastic strip curtain can be very effective.
Noise safety training requirements following a noise assessment
A noise assessment will measure your noise risk levels, and anyone who has a noise exposure of 80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C) or more has to be included in a noise safety training programme. The HSE are very specific on what the noise safety training provided by employer should include.
Best hearing protection for sleeping
This is a common question for hearing protection, be it due to external noise from life in a town or city, shift workers trying to sleep when everyone else is awake, trying to sleep in hotels, or just with a partner who snores a lot.
Best hearing protection for loud music?
Music can damage hearing just as much as other loud noise but this is one noise you probably do want to experience. This is a guide on hearing protection for music, be it attending concerts or playing as a musician - protection which will guard against hearing damage while letting the music sound natural.