Module 1: Occupational Hygiene - Section 5: Instrumentation

OH5.5: Occupational Noise Exposure - Environmental Regulations for Workplaces

Environmental regulations for workplaces:

In terms of Regulation 7 of the Environmental Regulations for Workplaces, promulgated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 0f 1993), no employer shall require or permit an employee to work in an environment in which (s)he is exposed to an equivalent noise level equal to or exceeding 85 dB(A). ⁵

Where the equivalent noise level is equal to or exceeds 85 dB(A) the employer is obliged to reduce the level to below 85 dB(A) or, where this is not reasonably practicable, he must reduce the level as low as is practicable using engineering controls.

Where the equivalent noise level cannot practicably be reduced to below 85 dB(A), the employer must:

• demarcate such areas as noise zones
• put up notices at exit and entry points
• prohibit all persons from entering a noise zone unless they make use of hearing protection devices.

Play the video clipThe video clip illustrates a high-noise area in a flour milling plant. Note the worker wearing ear muffs.

Play the video clipThis video clip was taken from an enclosed control room overlooking the noise area shown in the above clip. The noise level in the control room is much lower.

The employer should issue hearing protection devices:

• free of charge to workers in a noise zone
• which must be for sole use of particular employee
• and must be maintained in an effective and hygienic condition
• and must be stored in a clean, dust free environment.

Should hearing protection devices be insufficient to reduce the noise level to below 85 dB(A), the time spent in the noise zone should be limited in such a way that workers are not exposed to an equivalent noise level of more than or equal to 85dB(A). Essentially, this means reducing the period of time spent working at dB(A) levels greater than 85.

Workers working in a noise zone should be included in an audiometric testing programme as envisaged in the SABS Code of Practice 083:1996. ⁶

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