Sysco Environmental Ltd conducted a noise monitoring assessment at a manufacturing site in Rawtenstall to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations. This assessment aimed to measure employees' daily noise exposure, identify sources of excessive noise, and recommend control measures.
Key Findings
The assessment found that employees in the Engineering/Fabrication area are exposed to noise levels above the upper action value of 85dB. In the moulding room, noise levels exceed the lower action value of 80dB(A). Other areas were found to be within safe noise levels. Major noise sources included motors, mixers, and radios.
### Recommendations
To address these issues, it is recommended to:
- Introduce a low noise purchase policy for new equipment.
- Enforce the use of hearing protection for specific tasks like metal forming and grinding.
- Implement a formal annual health surveillance programme for employees in high-noise areas.
- Reduce radio volume in the main filling area to lower noise levels.
- Install silencers on compressed air lines to mitigate peak noise levels.
These measures will help reduce noise exposure, improve employee safety, and ensure compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. The commitment to implementing these recommendations highlights the company's dedication to maintaining a safe and healthy working environment.