TfL Ref: 0920-1920
 
Thank you for your request received by us on 29 June 2019 asking for information about London Underground and The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
 
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations and our information access policy. You asked:
 
how many breaches of The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 have been recorded on the London Underground during the last ten years?
 
Could you please tell me when and where any breaches were recorded too?
 
I can advise that we do not have any examples over the last ten years where we have breached/not complied with the Noise at Work Regulations.
 
Occupational noise assessments are in place for all teams which undertake maintenance activities across London Underground where noise thresholds outlined in the regulations could potentially be exceeded. These assessments identify the associated risks and implement measures to control and reduce those risks. Control measures include (and are not limited to):
 
• Making sure that work equipment is suitable for the task being carried out.
 
• Training.
 
• Maintenance.
 
• Limiting the time staff are exposed to noise.
 
• Providing hearing protection.
 
• Implementing noise exclusion zones.
 
• Signage.
 
To ensure we manage noise exposure at work we undertake worksite monitoring activities to check compliance with the controls.
 
Health surveillance is also in place for staff affected. These measures ensure that staff are not exposed to noise which may damage their hearing and that we remain compliant with the Noise at Work Regulations.
 
For train operators and station staff noise monitoring is regularly undertaken to ensure that noise remains below legal limits and that they are not exposed to noise which may damage their hearing. Whilst we remain legally compliant, we do recognise that there are sections of track on some lines which are noisy and may lead to staff discomfort. To manage this we offer train operators a variety of ear protection devices should they want it to reduce any discomfort while operating trains on the lines affected. For station staff we regularly rotate staff duties so that time on platforms affected is limited. Ongoing track work is also carried out to reduce noise levels.
 
If this is not the information you are looking for, or if you are unable to access it for any reason, please do not hesitate to contact me.
 
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
 
Yours sincerely
 
 
Jasmine Howard
FOI Case Officer
Information Governance
Transport For London