Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

17.24 
Control of Noise at Work 
Regulations 2005
17.24.1 Introduction
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require 
employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety 
from exposure to noise at work. Employees also have 
duties under the Regulations.
The Regulations require employers to:
➤
assess the risks to their employees from noise at 
work;
➤
take action to reduce the noise exposure that pro-
duces those risks
➤
provide their employees with hearing protection if 
they cannot reduce the noise exposure enough by 
using other methods
➤
make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not 
exceeded
➤
provide their employees with information, instruction 
and training
➤
carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to 
health.
The Regulations do not apply to:
➤
members of the public exposed to noise from their 
non-work activities, or making an informed choice 
to go to noisy places
➤
low-level noise which is a nuisance but causes no 
risk of hearing damage.
Employers in the music and entertainment sectors have 
until 6 April 2008 to comply with the Noise Regulations 
2005. Meanwhile they must continue to comply with 
the Noise at Work Regulations 1989, which the 2005 
Regulations replace for all other workplaces.
Table 17.6
Schedule 1 to the Manual Handling Opera-
tions Regulations
Factors to which the employer must have regard and 
questions they must consider when making an assessment 
of manual handling operations
Factors Questions
1 The tasks 
Do they involve:
Holding or manipulating loads at dis-
tance from trunk?
Unsatisfactory bodily movement or pos-
ture, especially:
Twisting the trunk?
Stooping?
Reaching 
upwards?
Excessive movement of loads especially:
Excessive lifting or lowering distances?
Excessive carrying distances?
Excessive pulling or pushing of loads?
Risk of sudden movement of loads?
Frequent or prolonged physical effort?
Insuffi cient rest or recovery periods?
A rate of work imposed by a process?
2 The loads 
Are they:
Heavy?
Bulky or unwieldy?
Diffi cult to grasp?
Unstable, or with contents likely to 
shift?
Sharp, hot or otherwise potentially 
damaging?
3
The working
Are there:
environment 
Space constraints preventing good 
posture?
Uneven, slippery or unstable fl oors?
Variations in level of fl oors or work 
surfaces?
Extremes of temperature or humidity?
Conditions causing ventilation prob-
lems or gusts of wind?
Poor lighting conditions?
4
Individual 
Does the job:
capability 
Require unusual strength, height, etc.?
Create a hazard to those who might 
reasonably be considered to be preg-
nant or have a health problem?
Require special information or training 
for its safe performance?
5
Other
Is movement or posture hindered by 
factors 
personal protective equipment or by 
clothing?