Noise
There is a risk of developing noise induced hearing loss if you are exposed to noise above a certain level and/or for a prolonged period of time.
The request to undertake a hearing test will be identified from the risk assessment for your workplace and is called health surveillance. Its purpose is to check that the control measures in place do give protection against hearing damage.
The risk assessment will identify if an employee is exposed to noise which may affect their hearing, if so health surveillance hearing tests will be done.
Examples of increased noise in the University:
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Night bar staff – music, loud busy environment
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Security staff – fire alarms, unauthorised entry alarms
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School of Mechanical Engineering – engine testing
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School of Chemistry – machinery, engines running
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School of Music – loud musical instruments: trumpets, horns etc
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Estate Services – saws, drills, strimmers, mowers etc.
Frequency of testing:
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A baseline audiogram prior to exposure to noise
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A schedule of monitoring audiograms
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Monitoring should include annual tests for first 2 years of employment
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Then 3 yearly intervals.