Plastic products

Table 1: Established noise control methods for high risk activities
Table 2: Management of noise risks

Table 1: Established noise control for high risk activities

This table identifies high risk activities or processes; and links to further information and case studies.

A PDF version of table 1 is also available.

Activity or process	Established noise control methods	Further information (links)
Granulators (and other size reduction machines eg agglomerators, crumbers, shredders, pelletisers) Example noise levels*: 100dB (granulators) 90dB (agglomerators)	Methods include: use feed conveyor to remove operator from higher noise areas situate size reduction machines in separate rooms or buildings – provide for remote or automated feeding lag or damp the machine casing form sound trap in feed aperture or hopper enclose the machine fit segmental or helical cutters use tangential feed fit resilient backing to knives reduce rotor speed	Rubber granulator Strand pelletisers
Injection moulding machines Example noise levels*: 97-100dB	Methods include: use slow speed pumps control release of exhaust air mount pumps and motors on anti-vibration mounts and incorporate flexible hoses in pipe lines enclose hydraulic power packs convert injector guards to acoustic guards fit low noise nozzles to blow guns etc.
Extruders Example noise levels*: 90dB	Methods include: specify low noise design for hydraulic systems see injection moulding machines above fit silencers to drive motor air intakes and exhausts enclose drive motor.
Mould cleaning guns Example noise levels*: 105dB	Replace nozzles with low-noise types (eg those which generate an induced secondary air flow). Reduction of up to 10 dB.	Example: Reduced noise from mould cleaning gun
Extrusion line cut off saws Example noise levels*: 100dB	Methods include: replace guards with solid panels lined with acoustically absorptive material fit acoustic strip curtain at product out-feed	Example: Extrusion line cut-off saws
Ultrasonic welding machines Example noise levels*: 96dB	Enclose with sound reducing material

Activity or process

Established noise control methods

Further information (links)

Granulators (and other size reduction machines eg agglomerators, crumbers, shredders, pelletisers)

Example noise levels*:

100dB (granulators)

90dB (agglomerators)

Methods include:

use feed conveyor to remove operator from higher noise areas
situate size reduction machines in separate rooms or buildings – provide for remote or automated feeding
lag or damp the machine casing
form sound trap in feed aperture or hopper
enclose the machine
fit segmental or helical cutters
use tangential feed
fit resilient backing to knives
reduce rotor speed

Rubber granulator

Strand pelletisers

Injection moulding machines

Example noise levels*:

97-100dB

Methods include:

use slow speed pumps
control release of exhaust air
mount pumps and motors on anti-vibration mounts and incorporate flexible hoses in pipe lines
enclose hydraulic power packs
convert injector guards to acoustic guards
fit low noise nozzles to blow guns etc.

Extruders

Example noise levels*:

90dB

Methods include:

specify low noise design
for hydraulic systems see injection moulding machines above
fit silencers to drive motor air intakes and exhausts
enclose drive motor.

Mould cleaning guns

Example noise levels*:

105dB

Replace nozzles with low-noise types (eg those which generate an induced secondary air flow). Reduction of up to 10 dB.

Example: Reduced noise from mould cleaning gun

Extrusion line cut off saws

Example noise levels*:

100dB

Methods include:

replace guards with solid panels lined with acoustically absorptive material
fit acoustic strip curtain at product out-feed

Example: Extrusion line cut-off saws

Ultrasonic welding machines

Example noise levels*:

96dB

Enclose with sound reducing material

* Sample L_Aeq. The noise levels are indicative only and will vary depending on equipment type and conditions of use.

Table 2: Management of noise risks

A PDF version of table 2 is also available.

Issue	Expectation	References and related guidance
Workplace design for reduced noise exposure	Table 1 deals with established technical and organisational noise control measures for a range of high noise risk activities or processes. In addition to these measures, in general there will always be benefits to be gained in considering and applying general principles of workplace design for reducing noise exposure. For example: appropriate use of acoustic absorption within buildings can reduce or limit the effects of reflected sound (specialist help will be needed to put this in to effect); careful planning could segregate noisy machines from other areas where quiet operations are carried out; the number of employees working in noisy areas should be kept to a minimum; screens, barriers or walls can be placed between the source of the noise and the people to stop or reduce the direct sound; noise refuges can be a practical solution in situations where noise control is very difficult, or where only occasional attendance in noisy areas is necessary; increasing the distance between a person and the noise source can reduce noise exposure considerably.	Workplace design Example: Coating pans Example: Flexible acoustic screening material Example: Acoustic refuges Example: Use of absorption in a noise control programme
Selection of tools and machinery	Employers should demonstrate a positive purchasing policy which makes sure noise is taken into account when selecting machinery. For many types of equipment there will be models designed to be less noisy. When selecting equipment to buy or hire, besides ensuring that the tool or equipment is generally suitable for the job, employers should: ask about likely noise levels for the intended use(s); check that manufacturers' noise data is representative of likely noise levels for the intended use(s); use the noise information to compare machines before making the final choice; look for warnings in the instruction book to see if particular uses of the tool or machines are likely to cause unusually high noise; be aware that even where manufacturers declare that their tools or machines produce less than 70 dB, levels may sometimes be much greater in your workplace.	Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Refer also to L108 Part 4: Selecting Quieter Tools and Machinery.
Limiting exposure duration	Restriction of the time spent in noisy areas, or doing noisy tasks, can be effective in reducing noise exposures, as can ensuring that noisy devices are only used when they are actually needed. Where some employees do noisy jobs all day or week, and others do quieter ones, job rotation should be considered. This might need you to train employees to carry out other jobs. This system will reduce the noise exposure of some employees while increasing that of others, so care and judgement is needed. Employees will need to be rotated away from noisy jobs for a significant proportion of time to make an appreciable difference to their daily exposure. The noise exposure ready-reckoner and exposure calculators can be used to indicate the reductions in exposure that can be achieved by reducing the duration of exposure to noise.	HSE noise exposure calculators and ready reckoners
Hearing Protection	Providing personal hearing protection should be one of the first considerations on discovering a risk to the health of your employees due to noise. It should not be used as an alternative to controlling noise by technical and organisational means, but for tackling the immediate risk while other control measures are being developed. In the longer term, it should be used where there is a need to provide additional protection beyond what has been achieved through noise control. Hearing protection use should be targeted at particular noisy jobs and activities. Personal hearing protection must be supplied by the employer to any employee whose daily personal noise exposure is likely to exceed 85 dB, or who is likely to be exposed to peak sound pressure levels above 137 dB. The employee must use the protection provided. The employer should ensure that, through the use of hearing protection, the employee's effective noise exposure is reduced to at least below the above levels. Important factors to consider in the selection and use of hearing protection include: types of protector, and suitability for the work being carried out; noise reduction (attenuation) offered by the protector, including taking account of 'real-world' factors, and also ensuring that not too much protection is provided; compatibility with other safety equipment; pattern of the noise exposure; the need to communicate and hear warning sounds; environmental factors such as heat, humidity, dust and dirt; cost of maintenance or replacement; comfort and user preference; medical disorders suffered by the wearer. The use of personal hearing protection should be managed through the provision of appropriate information, instruction and training for employees, supervision and the use of appropriately defined and demarcated Hearing Protection Zones.	Hearing protection – general advice HSE hearing protection calculator Hearing protection – Over-protection Hearing protection – real-world factors Hearing protection – advice on issuing Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Noise: Don't lose your hearing Refer also to L108 Part 5: Hearing Protection – Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance
Information, instruction and training	It is important that employees understand the risks they may be exposed to. Where they are at risk from noise their employer should at least tell them: the likely noise exposure and the risk to hearing this noise creates; what their employer is doing to control risks and exposures; where and how people can obtain hearing protection; how to report defects in hearing protection and noise-control equipment what their duties are under the Control of Noise Regulations 2005; what they should do to minimise the risk, such as the proper way to use hearing protection and other noise-control equipment, how to look after it and store it, and where to use it; the health surveillance systems. This information should be given in a way the employee can be expected to understand (for example special arrangements might need to be made if the employee does not understand English or cannot read). To establish whether information, instruction and training has been carried out effectively, look for evidence that personal hearing protection is being fully and properly used, that noise control equipment is being used, and that procedures for low noise working are being followed.	What do I need to tell my employees? Employee and safety representatives Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Noise: Don't lose your hearing
Health surveillance (audiometry)	Health surveillance for noise-induced hearing damage should be in place for employees whose daily personal noise exposure is frequently above 85 dB, or who are frequently exposed to peak sound pressure levels above 137 dB. Health surveillance should also be provided where exposures are lower, but where the employee may be particularly sensitive to noise. As a minimum, a programme of health surveillance should include: audiometric testing (baseline assessment on first entering a job involving noise exposure, annual testing for two years, then three yearly testing) arrangements to receive medical advice on management of affected employees arrangements to receive anonymised information to demonstrate effectiveness of controls	Health surveillance Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks Noise: Don't lose your hearing Refer also to L108 Part 6: Health Surveillance for Hearing Damage

Issue

Expectation

References and related guidance

Workplace design for reduced noise exposure

Table 1 deals with established technical and organisational noise control measures for a range of high noise risk activities or processes. In addition to these measures, in general there will always be benefits to be gained in considering and applying general principles of workplace design for reducing noise exposure. For example:

appropriate use of acoustic absorption within buildings can reduce or limit the effects of reflected sound (specialist help will be needed to put this in to effect);
careful planning could segregate noisy machines from other areas where quiet operations are carried out;
the number of employees working in noisy areas should be kept to a minimum;
screens, barriers or walls can be placed between the source of the noise and the people to stop or reduce the direct sound;
noise refuges can be a practical solution in situations where noise control is very difficult, or where only occasional attendance in noisy areas is necessary;
increasing the distance between a person and the noise source can reduce noise exposure considerably.

Workplace design

Example: Coating pans

Example: Flexible acoustic screening material

Example: Acoustic refuges

Example: Use of absorption in a noise control programme

Selection of tools and machinery

Employers should demonstrate a positive purchasing policy which makes sure noise is taken into account when selecting machinery.

For many types of equipment there will be models designed to be less noisy. When selecting equipment to buy or hire, besides ensuring that the tool or equipment is generally suitable for the job, employers should:

ask about likely noise levels for the intended use(s);
check that manufacturers' noise data is representative of likely noise levels for the intended use(s);
use the noise information to compare machines before making the final choice;
look for warnings in the instruction book to see if particular uses of the tool or machines are likely to cause unusually high noise;
be aware that even where manufacturers declare that their tools or machines produce less than 70 dB, levels may sometimes be much greater in your workplace.

Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks

Refer also to L108 Part 4: Selecting Quieter Tools and Machinery.

Limiting exposure duration

Restriction of the time spent in noisy areas, or doing noisy tasks, can be effective in reducing noise exposures, as can ensuring that noisy devices are only used when they are actually needed.

Where some employees do noisy jobs all day or week, and others do quieter ones, job rotation should be considered. This might need you to train employees to carry out other jobs. This system will reduce the noise exposure of some employees while increasing that of others, so care and judgement is needed. Employees will need to be rotated away from noisy jobs for a significant proportion of time to make an appreciable difference to their daily exposure.

The noise exposure ready-reckoner and exposure calculators can be used to indicate the reductions in exposure that can be achieved by reducing the duration of exposure to noise.

HSE noise exposure calculators and ready reckoners

Hearing Protection

Providing personal hearing protection should be one of the first considerations on discovering a risk to the health of your employees due to noise. It should not be used as an alternative to controlling noise by technical and organisational means, but for tackling the immediate risk while other control measures are being developed. In the longer term, it should be used where there is a need to provide additional protection beyond what has been achieved through noise control.

Hearing protection use should be targeted at particular noisy jobs and activities. Personal hearing protection must be supplied by the employer to any employee whose daily personal noise exposure is likely to exceed 85 dB, or who is likely to be exposed to peak sound pressure levels above 137 dB. The employee must use the protection provided. The employer should ensure that, through the use of hearing protection, the employee's effective noise exposure is reduced to at least below the above levels.

Important factors to consider in the selection and use of hearing protection include:

types of protector, and suitability for the work being carried out;
noise reduction (attenuation) offered by the protector, including taking account of 'real-world' factors, and also ensuring that not too much protection is provided;
compatibility with other safety equipment;
pattern of the noise exposure;
the need to communicate and hear warning sounds;
environmental factors such as heat, humidity, dust and dirt;
cost of maintenance or replacement;
comfort and user preference;
medical disorders suffered by the wearer.

The use of personal hearing protection should be managed through the provision of appropriate information, instruction and training for employees, supervision and the use of appropriately defined and demarcated Hearing Protection Zones.

Hearing protection – general advice

HSE hearing protection calculator

Hearing protection – Over-protection

Hearing protection – real-world factors

Hearing protection – advice on issuing

Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks

Noise: Don't lose your hearing

Refer also to L108 Part 5: Hearing Protection – Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance

Information, instruction and training

It is important that employees understand the risks they may be exposed to. Where they are at risk from noise their employer should at least tell them:

the likely noise exposure and the risk to hearing this noise creates;
what their employer is doing to control risks and exposures;
where and how people can obtain hearing protection;
how to report defects in hearing protection and noise-control equipment
what their duties are under the Control of Noise Regulations 2005;
what they should do to minimise the risk, such as the proper way to use hearing protection and other noise-control equipment, how to look after it and store it, and where to use it;
the health surveillance systems.

This information should be given in a way the employee can be expected to understand (for example special arrangements might need to be made if the employee does not understand English or cannot read).

To establish whether information, instruction and training has been carried out effectively, look for evidence that personal hearing protection is being fully and properly used, that noise control equipment is being used, and that procedures for low noise working are being followed.

What do I need to tell my employees?

Employee and safety representatives

Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks

Noise: Don't lose your hearing

Health surveillance (audiometry)

Health surveillance for noise-induced hearing damage should be in place for employees whose daily personal noise exposure is frequently above 85 dB, or who are frequently exposed to peak sound pressure levels above 137 dB. Health surveillance should also be provided where exposures are lower, but where the employee may be particularly sensitive to noise. As a minimum, a programme of health surveillance should include:

audiometric testing (baseline assessment on first entering a job involving noise exposure, annual testing for two years, then three yearly testing)
arrangements to receive medical advice on management of affected employees
arrangements to receive anonymised information to demonstrate effectiveness of controls

Health surveillance

Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks

Noise: Don't lose your hearing

Refer also to L108 Part 6: Health Surveillance for Hearing Damage