NOISE - 02.11.2023

Have you tried the shout test?

The HSE is asking bosses to shout at work to test if they have a workplace noise problem, and if the test returns a positive result it would like you to “CUFF” it! What does it have in mind and what action should you be taking?

Reaching out

The HSE’s plea comes on the back of a report full of statistics on noise-induced hearing loss. But as the regulator is aware, scientific reports are a bit dry and uninspiring. The HSE seems to want to overcome this problem with its new approach: “Try the shout test - protect workers’ hearing” (see The next step ).

This is a rebranding of the long established method of noise assessment, known as “The two metre rule”. In other words, if you need to shout to be heard at a two metre distance, the background noise level may be harmful to hearing. It’s a rough and ready tool, but gives a quick indicator as to whether noise hazards should be investigated.

Tip. Another way to identify a noise hazard is where workers experience temporary deafness after leaving a noisy location. It’s a sign that permanent hearing damage could potentially occur. Tip. A further quick option is to download a decibel (dB) measuring app on your smartphone. These aren’t suitable for a formal noise assessment, but will show if readings are above 80dB and therefore have the potential for hearing damage.

CUFF it

The acronym CUFF stands for:

C = condition
U = use
F = fit
F = fit for purpose

The HSE would like these criteria to be thought about when using hearing protection rather than, e.g. providing a box of ear plugs and not much more.

Tip. If you do provide ear plugs, ear defenders, etc. use the CUFF acronym. This means: (1) check that the equipment is in good condition; (2) ensure it’s used when it should be; (3) review whether it fits each worker; and (4) ensure it’s fit for purpose.

Choosing the right product

Checking that hearing protection is “fit for purpose” is a more complicated process than it might appear. The equipment needs to reduce the sound volume at the ear, to a level that won’t cause harm, but at the same time it shouldn’t deaden sound so much that workers are unaware of hazards around them.

Tip. The simple way to select hearing protection uses the Single Number Rating (SNR) system. If you look on packaging or online ads, you should see that the products have an SNR value. For example, an SNR of 25 indicates that the equipment will reduce the noise level to which the wearer is exposed from 90 decibels (dB) to 65dB. You should be aiming to get below 79dB(A).

Doing it right

If you have identified a noise problem at work, providing hearing protection won’t be enough to meet your legal responsibilities on its own, but it’s a good immediate response whilst you buy time to carry out a more detailed assessment. Tip. For our Guidance Note - Noise Assessment and Control , see The next step .

For more infomation on the shout test and our Guidance Note - Noise Assessment and Control, visit https://www.tips-and-advice.co.uk , Download Zone, year 22 issue 05.

If you need to raise your voice, i.e. shout, to be heard at two metres, background noise levels may be harmful. And if you provide ear defenders or plugs to protect staff, think about CUFF, i.e. condition, use, fit and if it’s fit for purpose. Use these basic tools to get started when tackling noise hazards.