STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Codes

1. STFC Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Codes SHE communication is an area the STFC needs to improve and a simple demonstration of effective safety management – e-mails alone are not enough. This package is one of a series of STFC SHE Code – updates, revisions and launches. This simple presentation should be used by STFC Managers at all levels to cascade the key messages to all staff and contractors during your routine communication meetings.

2. Simplified format for SHE Codes To aid their communication and understanding - simple language and clear responsibilities Purpose – why the code exists Scope – where it does and does not apply Definitions – of key terms Responsibilities – set out by role – read the part applicable to you, simple languageAppendices - specific to the code but include standard appendices for the training relevant to the code, and an audit checklist

3. Safety, Health and Environment (SHE) Group Introduction to STFC SHE Code 18 “Control of Noise at Work”

4. Why a Noise SHE Code? • Hearing loss caused by exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational health hazard. • Some 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears) or other ear/hearing conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work. • This code meets the provisions of the “Control of Noise at Work Regulations” 2005

5. Application of the code • This code applies to all STFC employees and tenants, and activities carried out on STFC sites, or off site if carried out in the course of STFC employment. • Contract Supervising Officers are responsible for ensuring, as appropriate, that contractor management undertake and record their own noise risk assessments, and implement suitable noise control measures. • Reflecting legislation the code defines Lower and Upper Action Values, at 80dB(A) and 85dB(A) respectively, for which noise assessments must be undertaken.

6. Key features • Sets out responsibilities for managers to: • avoid where practicable, staff undertaking work in noisy environments; • where this is not possible ensure that a risk assessment based upon the findings of a noise assessment is undertaken; • ensure that hearing protection controls are implemented and personal protective equipment (PPE) employed in noisy areas; and • ensure all staff working in noisy environments undertake regular hearing assessments. • Establishes through SHE Group a register of noisy areas and a Competent Noise assessor.

7. Key points • Read the part of the Code relevant to you. • Do you work in, or are you responsible for, noisy areas?Typically a noisy area would require people to raise their voices when holding a normal conversation when about 2 metres apart - are they marked? have they been assessed? • If you work in areas that require hearing protection are you undertaking regular hearing test through Occupational Health? • If you suspect a location may be noisy contact your local SHE team for a noise assessment to be undertaken.

8. SHE Training • A standard Appendix to each SHE code lists necessary training - competence in safety is important • Training Appendices should be used by managers and staff when considering new hazards or in general as part of Annual Performance Reviews (APRs).- see SHE Code 10 ‘Provision of SHE training’ • As each code is launched relevant training will be set up for staff. • To book this training contact your local SHE training contact: - DL/RAL 8288; UKATC 8325; Swindon 2061

9. Further questions Contact your local SHE Group or Departmental Safety Contact if you have questions on the content or the format of this presentation.