§ Mr. Greville Jannerasked the Secretary of State for Employment if the Government will consider providing free protective equipment for all public sector employees exposed to a daily average noise level of 85 dB(A).
§ Mr. AlisonEmployers in both the public and private sectors should comply with the "Code of practice for reducing the exposure of employed persons" published by the Department of Employment in 1972. This recommends provision and use of ear protectors where employees are exposed above an eight-hour equivalent continuous sound level of 90 dB(A).
The Government are awaiting the advice of the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) on a proposal by the European Commission for a Directive on protection of workers from noise. In giving its advice the HSC will consider the circumstances under which there should be requirements for issue and use of personal protective equipment.