DIAGNOSTIC TESTS Trade Union members can take advantage of free diagnostic tests for Industrial Deafness and Vibration White Finger. We have outreach offices in Alfreton, Clay Cross, Shirebrook. If any of your members require free tests, please contact John Bradley or Joanne Carlin on 01246 231441. INDUSTRIAL DEAFNESS The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the Noise Regulations) came into force for all industry sectors in Great Britain on 6 April 2006 (except for the music and entertainment sectors where they come into force on 6 April 2008). The aim of the Noise Regulations is to ensure that workers' hearing is protected from excessive noise at their place of work, which could cause them to lose their hearing and/or to suffer from tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears). The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is now 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is now 80 decibels. In the past few weeks TRUST has noticed that, although employees working with noisy machinery are protected, those working at the side do not have ear protection. Please ensure that all your members are protected from noise damage. HELP FOR TINNITUS SUFFERERS TRUST is now administrating the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Tinnitus Support Group. If any of your members are experiencing tinnitus, they can get help from the group. The group offers information and advice about Tinnitus and ways of managing tinnitus as well as being able to talk to someone who has successfully managed their tinnitus. For further information contact Joanne Carlin on 01246 231441.