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Posted By Chris Mac
I have a mandatory hearing protection area due to a noise survey resulting in an 87db reading.
Has anyone come across and dealt with, for example, an issue where an FLT driver for instance needs to enter the area for 5 minutes, once an hour?
He doesn't think he should have to wear the protection, what are your thoughts?
If you start allowing this, I think you open yourself up for lapses in use of the PPE, also people will want to know for how long they can be in the area before they have to use the protection
Thoughts?
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Posted By Paul Leadbetter
Chris
You have answered your own question; you have declared a mandatory ear protection zone so hearing protection must be worn.
Paul
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Posted By Smurfer
I understand that where you have a 'task' which is designated a hearing protection zone (HPZ) then HP need only be worn by the operative during this task. However, where an 'area' is designated a HPZ, then every one must wear it when entering the area (regardless of duration of exposure).
I think you are correct to insist that everyone entering the area wears HP; and you are right, anything else will lead to complications with enfrocing the rules!
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Posted By Sarah Haskins
If it has been declared an HPZ (Hearing Protection Zone) then EVERONE entering that area must wear hearing protection however short time they are there. That includes visitors stff well- EVERYONE
Dont forget you must put signs to the effect that it is an HPZ.
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Posted By Sarah Haskins
Chris just another point
An important thing is to make sure the correct hearing protection is provided.
The HSE calculator can help you with this ( although i would assume the people who carried out the Noise Surevy would have given you this information)
www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm
If i can help any further e-mail me.
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Posted By Kenneth Patrick
"I have a mandatory hearing protection area due to a noise survey resulting in an 87db reading.
Has anyone come across and dealt with, for example, an issue where an FLT driver for instance needs to enter the area for 5 minutes, once an hour?"
So what is his exposure? Is it above the upper exposure action value?
Regulations.
3) If in any area of the workplace under the control of the employer an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value for any reason the employer shall ensure that—
(a) the area is designated a Hearing Protection Zone;
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Posted By Sarah Jane
Hi Kenneth
Same advice if its an HPZ then EVERYBODY entering the area MUST wear hearing protection at all times and all entrances to the area must have appropriate signs
Sarah
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Posted By Sarah Jane
Action Levels:
Lower Exposure Action Value - 80dB(A)
Provide information instruction and training for employees
Provision of ear protectors for those who request them
Upper Exposure Action Value - 85dB(A)
Obligation on employer to reduce noise levels below 85dB(A)
Provide ear protectors for all those exposed
Ensure ear protection is worn
Employees have a duty to wear ear protectors
Exposure Limit Value - 87dB(A)
Hearing Protection Zones must be clearly identified access is to be restricted.
Hearing protection MUST be worn at all times
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Posted By CFT
Chris
Any chance you can control this via an engineered control instead of relying on PPE? You only need achieve a reasonable reduction, perhaps some damping or relocation is possible? I can't see the work place so am only 'shooting from the hip' here; you may have already considered this, and concluded it is not possible, so forgive me for stating the obvious.
You eliminate the difficulty in getting said FLT driver/s to wear protection and you permanently reduce sound levels, so lessen the level of control measures and assessments you have in place.
CFT
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Posted By Sarah Jane
CFT
Couldn't agree more "engineering" the noise out is the best solution.
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Posted By Martin Wallsworth
Don't forget that just because you have hit the 87 doesn't necessaryily mean the area needs to be mandatory, as other times during the day noise levels may be well below. You need to establish the exposure level over the 8 hour day (A weighted)for those who may be affected and if the daily noise level changes day to day you can then look at the weekly noise exposure level.
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