reg 13 Exemptions
(1) The Secretary of State may grant an exemption from compliance with regulations 7(4) and (5) and 8(1) and (2) in respect of work on a particular ship where because of the nature of the work the full and proper use of personal hearing protectors would be likely to cause a greater risk to health or safety than not using such protectors. (2) The Secretary of State may not grant an exemption under paragraph (1) unless— (a) he has consulted with— (i) the employer or other person having control of the matter in question; (ii) such medical bodies as he considers appropriate; and (iii) the workers concerned or their representatives; and (b) health surveillance has been increased to a level considered appropriate by the Secretary of State. (3) Any exemption granted under this regulation shall– (a) be in writing; (b) be accompanied by conditions which guarantee, taking into account the special circumstances, that the resulting risks are reduced to as low as reasonably practicable; (c) be valid for a maximum period of four years; and (d) be withdrawn as soon as the Secretary of State is satisfied that it is no longer justified.