1.7 Health Surveillance (Regulation 9)
Primary Legislation
Those regularly exposed at or above 85 dB(A)
Those with existing hearing damage
Those in high-risk roles even if exposure is below 85 dB(A) but variable
What this section covers: Requirements for hearing health surveillance, including when it is required, what it must include, and record-keeping obligations (The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Regulation 9).
When Required (Regulation 9(1)): If the risk assessment indicates there is a risk to the health of employees who are, or are liable to be, exposed to noise, the employer must ensure such employees are placed under suitable health surveillance, which must include testing of their hearing.
Practical Trigger: HSE guidance (L108) advises that health surveillance should be introduced for employees regularly exposed above the UEAV (85 dB(A)) or where there are concerns about hearing damage (HSE, 2021).
Those regularly exposed at or above 85 dB(A)
Those with existing hearing damage
Those in high-risk roles even if exposure is below 85 dB(A) but variable
Frequency: L108 recommends annual audiometry for those at risk, with more frequent testing if concerns arise (HSE, 2021).
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