NOISE AT WORK ASSESSMENTS

Since the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force it has been a legal requirement of all employers to undertake a noise at work assessment if any employee is likely to be exposed to excessive levels of noise

When is a noise risk assessment needed?

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states that a Noise at Work Assessment must be undertaken if an employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above lower exposure action values.  The Health and Safety Executive Guidance advises that if the workplace is noisier than everyday life, it is possible that the lower limit will be exceeded.  The lower limit of 80 dB(A) is roughly equivalent to the noise level of a busy road, crowded restaurant or vacuum cleaner.

What are the upper and lower Action Values?

The limits in the regulations are in the table below.

Daily or weekly personal noise exposure Peak sound pressure
Lower Exposure Action Value 80 dB(A) 135 dB(C)
Upper Exposure Action Values 85 dB(A) 137 dB(C)
Exposure Limit 87 dB(A) 140 dB(C)

Where noise exposure levels vary significantly from day to day, a weekly exposure level can be calculated instead.

Can we just supply our employees with hearing protection rather than carrying out a noise at work assessment?

When calculating an employee’s daily or weekly exposure, the protection provided by hearing defenders or earplugs may not be taken into account.  Hearing protection should only be used either as an interim measure while noise control measures are implemented, or where additional protection is required on top that achieved by noise control measures.

 

Professional Consult provides national coverage for noise at work assessments so please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Our Expertise

Expert Witness, Planning Appeal Support, Noise & Vibration Impact Assessment, Noise Constraints Assessment, Vibration Survey and Assessment, Noise at Work Assessment, CPD Presentation on Good Acoustic Design.