Noise at work report
Page 15
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THE Health and Safety Commission has issued a consultative document outlining a recommended framework for possible future legislation setting statutory limits on the noise exposure of work people in manufacturing industry. The report also recommends, however, that it should still be the basis for legislation if wider coverage of work people is decided on.
Employers are urged to carry out surveys if the total amount of sound is likely to exceed the equivalent of 8 hours' continuous exposure at 90 decibels (A-weighted). As a general guide, if it is necessary to shout at a distance of 1 metre to be understood it is probable that the noise level is at least 90Db (A).
The report, Fronting Noise Legislation published by HMSO, calls for the co-operation of employees in wearing personal protection, such as ear muffs, together with an obligation not to wilfully interfere with or misuse noise control devices or equipment.