HC Deb 15 July 1992 vol 211 cc794-6W
Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) what was the implementation date of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989; what action is taken by the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that employers comply with them; how many employers have been prosecuted under the regulations for each year since they came into force; and if she will specify the regulations involved in each case;

(2) what groups are exempt from the requirements of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989;

(3) how many employees are estimated by the Health and Safety Executive to be exposed to noise at or above 85 dB(A).

Mr. McLoughlin

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 came into force on 1 January 1990. Since their introduction, health and safety inspectors have promoted awareness of and compliance with the regulations through widespread advisory and enforcement action. Wide publicity has been achieved through a series of free leaflets and extensive guidance. One employer has been prosecuted for breaches of regulations 4, 8, 9 and 11. In addition, 948 improvement notices and 54 prohibition notices have been issued.

The Health and Safety Executive estimates that about 1.7 million workers are exposed to noise levels above 85 dB(A).

The regulations apply to all workers covered by the Health and Safety at Work, etc. Act 1974, except the crews of sea-going ships and aircraft or hovercrafts moving under their own power. They do not apply to workers in the offshore industry.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many Health and Safety Executive inspectors are specialists in noise control.

Mr. McLoughlin

The Health and Safety Executive has 12 specialist noise inspectors. They are supported by administrative and research staff with special qualifications in noise. All general Health and Safety Executive inspectors have received training in noise control.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment how much revenue has been received from the sale of literature and videos published by the Health and Safety Executive related to the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.

Mr. McLoughlin

Revenue received by the Health and Safety Executive from the sale of publications related to the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 up to 1 July 1992 amounts to approximately £68,000. No videos have been produced by the HSE relating to these regulations.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment (1) how the requirements in the noise directive on audiometry are being implemented in the United Kingdom;

(2) what measures the Health and Safety Executive has taken to ensure that employees exposed to noise at or above 85 dB(A) know they are entitled to a free hearing test through the national health service.

Mr. McLoughlin

EC directive 86/188/EC on the protection of workers from noise at work requires that workers exposed to 85 dB(A) or more should have access to hearing checks by a doctor. Anyone who is worried about any aspect of his or her health, including his or her hearing, already has access to the full range of NHS services.

The Health and Safety Executive has published a free leaflet for employees outlining the main requirements of the regulations and advising them about the risks to hearing of noise at work. The leaflet contains advice to workers to consult their doctor if they think there is something wrong with their hearing. The HSE's noise guide No. I also draws attention to employers' responsibilities to provide information and advice to employees.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans exist in the Health and Safety Executive or European Commission to reduce the first action level of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989; and what level is proposed.

Mr. McLoughlin

The European Directive on which the Noise at Work Regulations are based is to be reviewed by 1994. The European Commission is considering a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from physical agents. This would replace the directive on noise and require a revision of the Noise at Work Regulations.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment if the Health and Safety Executive will update its publication, "100 Practical Solutions of Noise Control at Source".

Mr. McLoughlin

The Health and Safety Executive is currently examining whether a second edition of its publication titled "100 Practical Applications of Noise Reduction Methods" would be useful.

Mr. Henderson

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what noise surveys have been carried out in her Department's buildings, since the enactment of the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.

Mr. McLoughlin

There are nearly 2,000 buildings in the Employment Department group. The information requested is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.