Noise
Ensuring measures are in place to control the risks of noise throughout the University.
Introduction
Noise is one of the most widespread and underestimated workplace hazards. Hearing damage caused by exposure to noise at work can be temporary, or permanent and incurable.
Whilst hearing loss is usually gradual due to prolonged exposure to noise, it can also be caused immediately by sudden, extremely loud noises. Exposure to noise can also cause tinnitus, which is the ringing, humming or buzzing of noise in the ears.
Noise at work can also cause other problems, disturbance and interference, such as stress, difficulties with concentration, fatigue, tension and irritability.
Arrangement and Guidance
Please see the University's Arrangement and Guidance in place for the controlling noise levels in the workplace:
For More Information
If a noise survey is required, this can be requested by Line Managers by contacting hsservicedesk@port.ac.uk.
Should the noise survey find that staff are regularly exposed to levels above the Upper Exposure Action Value (85dB), or where staff are deemed to be at increased risk and are exposed to levels above the Lower Exposure Action Value, a referral to Occupational Health should be made. More information on the referral process can be found below:
For more information and guidance, please see the links below: