2.1 L108 - Controlling Noise at Work (Third Edition, 2021)

Legislative Status: Approved Code of Practice (ACOP). This guidance has a special legal status. While not law itself, if an employer is prosecuted for a breach of health and safety law and it is proved they did not follow the relevant provisions of the ACOP, a court will find them at fault unless they can show they complied with the law in some other way that was just as good. Following the guidance in L108 is the most straightforward way to ensure compliance (Health and Safety Executive, 2021).

What it is: L108 is the HSE's official guidance for the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. It provides a detailed explanation of the regulations, offering practical advice to employers and dutyholders on how to comply with their legal obligations. The guidance covers risk assessment, noise control, selection and use of hearing protection, and health surveillance (Health and Safety Executive, 2021).

• Emphasises the hierarchy of control, with PPE (hearing protection) as the last line of defence. (See: [#cnawr-noise-control](#cnawr-noise-control))

• Stresses the importance of selecting hearing protection that is both

  adequate

  and

  suitable

  . (See: [#ppe-suitability-adequacy](#ppe-suitability-adequacy))

• Highlights that manufacturers’ attenuation data (e.g., SNR) is derived from laboratory tests and may not be achieved in the real world. It recommends de-rating these values for selection purposes.

• Discusses the importance of proper fitting, training, and maintenance to ensure hearing protectors are effective.