Guide
Comply with noise at work regulations
How to meet your legal duties under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Covers exposure action values, noise assessment, hearing protection, and health surveillance requirements.
Excessive noise at work causes permanent hearing damage. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent or reduce risks to workers' hearing. Once hearing is damaged, it cannot be restored - prevention is essential.
These regulations affect many sectors beyond obvious noisy industries. Manufacturing, construction, entertainment, hospitality, and even call centres can expose workers to harmful noise levels.
Noise exposure action values
The regulations set specific noise levels that trigger different employer duties:
Understanding these measurements:
- dB(A): A-weighted decibels, measuring average noise level adjusted for human hearing sensitivity
- dB(C): C-weighted decibels, used for peak noise measurements
- Daily/weekly exposure: Average exposure over the working day or week, accounting for varying noise levels
- Peak: The maximum instantaneous sound pressure - relevant for sudden loud noises like gunshots or hammer blows
If you have to raise your voice to hold a normal conversation at 2 metres, noise levels are probably around 80-85 dB(A) and you should assess the risk.
Your duties as an employer
The regulations place specific duties on employers based on noise levels:
How to assess and control noise risks
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Identify noisy areas and tasks
Walk through your workplace identifying where noise might be a problem. Talk to workers about their noise exposure. Check manufacturer data for equipment noise levels.
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Measure noise levels if needed
If you think exposure might reach action values, get a noise assessment done. Use a competent person with calibrated equipment. Assessment should cover all exposed workers and activities.
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Implement noise control measures
Apply the hierarchy: eliminate noisy processes where possible, substitute quieter equipment, enclose noise sources, use barriers and screens, reduce exposure time.
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Designate hearing protection zones
Where noise exceeds the upper action value (85 dB), mark the area with signage and ensure everyone entering wears hearing protection.
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Provide hearing protection
Make suitable hearing protection available at lower action value (80 dB). Ensure mandatory use at upper action value (85 dB). Protection must reduce exposure below 85 dB and as close to 70 dB as reasonably practicable.
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Arrange health surveillance
If exposure is at or above upper action value, arrange regular hearing checks. This detects early damage before permanent disability.
Health surveillance requirements
Regular hearing checks are required for workers at significant risk:
What health surveillance involves:
- Baseline audiometry: Hearing test when first exposed to noise, before any damage occurs
- Regular follow-up: Annual testing initially, then every 3 years if no deterioration
- Action on results: If hearing loss is detected, review controls and consider alternative work
Keep health surveillance records for as long as the person is under surveillance. If workers leave, offer them a copy of their records.
Selecting hearing protection
Hearing protection must be:
- Suitable: Reduce exposure to safe levels without over-protecting (which causes communication problems)
- Compatible: Work with other PPE the worker uses
- Comfortable: Workers are more likely to wear comfortable protection
- Appropriate for environment: Consider hygiene, temperature, and communication needs
Types of hearing protection:
- Ear plugs: Disposable or reusable, good for hot environments, easy to carry
- Ear muffs: Easy to put on and remove, good for intermittent exposure
- Level-dependent: Allow normal speech but attenuate loud noise - good for communication
Common questions
What about music and entertainment venues? The regulations apply, with action levels 5 dB higher for music/entertainment until 21 April 2008, now the same as other sectors. Personal choice doesn't override employer duties.
Are call centres covered? Yes. Headset users can be exposed to harmful levels from acoustic shock incidents. Employers must limit peak sound exposure and take action if there's a risk.
Can we just provide hearing protection instead of noise control? No. Hearing protection should be a last resort. You must first try to eliminate or reduce noise at source through engineering and organisational controls.
What about workers with existing hearing loss? They may be more susceptible to further damage. Consider this in your risk assessment and take additional precautions if necessary.