Introduction to Health and Safety at Work

Summary of the main legal requirements
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➤
the design and layout of workplaces, work stations 
and rest facilities
➤
suitable and suffi cient information and training
➤
reduction of noise by technical means
➤
appropriate maintenance programmes
➤
limitation of the duration and intensity of exposure, 
and
➤
appropriate work schedules with adequate rest 
periods.
17.24.5 Hearing protection – Regulation 7
Hearing protection should be issued to employees:
➤
where extra protection is needed above what can 
been achieved using noise control
➤
as a short-term measure while other methods of 
controlling noise are being developed.
Hearing protection should not be used as an alterna-
tive to controlling noise by technical and organisational 
means. Employers should consult with their employees 
or their representatives on the type of hearing protection 
to be used.
Employers are required to:
➤
provide employees with hearing protectors if they 
ask for it and their noise exposure is between the 
lower and upper exposure action values
➤
provide employees with hearing protectors and 
make sure they use them properly when their noise 
exposure exceeds the upper exposure action values
➤
identify hearing protection zones, i.e. areas where 
the use of hearing protection is compulsory, and 
mark them with signs if possible. Restrict access to 
hearing protection zones where this is practicable 
and the noise exposures justifi es it
➤
provide employees with training and information on 
how to use and care for the hearing protectors
➤
ensure that the hearing protectors are properly used 
and maintained.
17.24.6
Maintenance and use of equipment – 
Regulation 8
Employers need to make sure that hearing protection 
works effectively and to:
➤
check that all equipment provided in compliance 
with the regulations remains in good, clean condi-
tion and that there are no unoffi cial modifi cations
➤
check that hearing protection is fully and properly 
used (except where it is provided for employees 
who are exposed at or above the lower exposure but 
below the upper exposure level). Which is likely to 
mean that an employer needs to:
➤
put someone in authority in overall charge of 
issuing them and making sure replacements are 
readily available
➤
carry out spot checks to see that the rules are 
being followed and that hearing protection is 
being used properly
➤
ensure all managers and supervisors set a good 
example and wear hearing protection at all 
times when in hearing protection zones
➤
ensure only people who need to be there enter 
hearing protection zones and do not stay longer 
than they need to.