Noise Risk Assessment (UK)

Noise induced hearing loss is permanent and entirely preventable. Where work is noisy, from workshops to construction sites, employers must assess the risk and protect hearing. This guide explains the action values and what the assessment covers.

When it is required

Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, you must assess noise where it is likely to be at or above the lower action value. A rough rule is that if you have to raise your voice to talk to someone two metres away, noise may be a problem and needs assessing.

The action values

There are two daily or weekly exposure action values. At the lower value, around 80 decibels, you must provide information, training and hearing protection on request. At the upper value, around 85 decibels, you must reduce exposure by control measures and make hearing protection use mandatory in marked zones. There is also an exposure limit value that must not be exceeded at the ear.

What the assessment covers

The assessment identifies where noise is a problem, estimates or measures exposure, identifies who is affected, and sets out the controls, in the order of reducing noise at source first and relying on hearing protection last.

Controls

Quieter equipment, enclosures and damping, keeping people away from noisy work, limiting time exposed, and properly fitted hearing protection where needed. Health surveillance, in the form of hearing checks, applies where exposure is high.

Record it

Record the noise sources, the exposures, who is affected and the controls. Our risk assessment template gives you the form, and vibration often travels with noise, so see our hand arm vibration guide.