1.8 Information, Instruction and Training (Regulation 10)
Primary Legislation
- What this section covers: Legal requirements for providing information, instruction, and training to employees exposed to noise (The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Regulation 10).
- When Required (Regulation 10(1)): Where employees are exposed to noise likely to be at or above the
What this section covers: Legal requirements for providing information, instruction, and training to employees exposed to noise (The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Regulation 10).
When Required (Regulation 10(1)): Where employees are exposed to noise likely to be at or above the LEAV (80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C) peak), the employer must provide suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training to those employees and their representatives.
What Must Be Included (Regulation 10(2)): The information, instruction, and training must include:
(a) The nature of risks from exposure to noise
(b) The organisational and technical measures taken to comply with Regulation 6
(c) The exposure limit values and upper and lower exposure action values
(d) The significant findings of the risk assessment, including any measurements taken, with an explanation
(e) The availability and provision of personal hearing protectors under Regulation 7 and their correct use in accordance with Regulation 8(2)
(f) Why and how to detect and report signs of hearing damage
(g) The entitlement to health surveillance under Regulation 9 and its purposes
(h) Safe working practices to minimise exposure to noise
(i) The collective results of any health surveillance (in a form that prevents identification of individuals)
Updating (Regulation 10(3)): Information, instruction, and training must be updated to take account of significant changes in the type of work or working methods.
Competent Persons (Regulation 10(4)): The employer must ensure that any person (whether or not an employee) who carries out work in connection with the employer's duties under the regulations has suitable and sufficient information, instruction, and training.
Why it matters for fit testing: Regulation 10(2)(e) requires training on "correct use" of hearing protection. Fit testing is the most effective training method because it provides immediate, individual feedback on fitting technique. Generic instruction often fails to achieve correct use—fit testing demonstrates it. Related: [#evidence-fittesting-training](#evidence-fittesting-training), [#implementation-science](#implementation-science).