Bio
Jacqueline has worked in noise and vibration for 36 years. She was a scientist in HSE’s Science Division up until 2021, carrying out research in a wide range of topics including - audibility of warning signals, determining and reviewing machinery noise emission data, headset noise exposure, attenuation provided products such as shotblasting helmets and musicians’ hearing protectors. Jacqueline participated in a European-wide market surveillance exercise investigating the quality of noise emission data provided by manufacturers – and consequently loves a good instruction manual! From 2021 to 2024 she worked in HSE’s Product Safety and Market Surveillance Unit determining the compliance of workplace products against relevant product safety legislation. Jacqueline returned to noise and vibration in September 2024 as a Noise and Vibration Specialist Inspector.
Abstract - Selecting a noise consultant – evidence-based practice or chance?
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks from noise. This process requires competence in particular areas, for example estimating noise exposures and assessing the likely effectiveness of control measures. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 places a duty on employers to ensure that anyone who helps them comply with their legal duties is competent.
Employers often rely on third-party noise assessment reports as the basis for controlling the risks from exposure to noise in their workplace. HSE noise specialists see a small selection of these reports and have concerns about their quality and suitability. In particular, when the advice they contain has the potential to lead to inappropriate or insufficient control of noise risk in the workplace.
In this presentation, the findings of a review of noise assessment reports collected during HSE inspections in the woodworking industry will be discussed. The aim of this is to report common failings and consider what can be done by HSE and IOA members to ensure that employers are provided with suitable and sufficient information to allow them to assess and manage workplace risks from noise. HSE’s current approach to regulating third-party providers will also be discussed.
Arise – ARU’s Innovation Centre is located at the North entrance of the ARU Chelmsford Campus and can only be accessed via the A1016 Chelmer Valley Road, onto Alan Cherry Drive.
Alan Cherry Drive is located at the junction with the traffic lights on Chelmer Valley Road.
Alternatively, the venue is a short walk from Chelmsford main line train station.
The Arise - ARU’s Innovation Centre car park is at the rear of the building. Please follow the signs and once parked please sign in at reception. Please remember to sign out at the end of your visit - Thank you.
Booking is essential as you will need a QR code to access the car park.
This meeting is a hybrid event.
Those planning to attend in person MUST register for security access.
To join online please email Josie Nixon Secretary Eastern Branch, josie.nixon@HA-Environmental.co.uk
To book your place please email: Josie Nixon Secretary Eastern Branch, josie.nixon@HA-Environmental.co.uk
CPD Certificates will be available.