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Noise at Work
Assessments
Know your next steps.
Understand your employees’ noise exposure with a workplace noise survey, a clear assessment report and practical recommendations from SNR Noise Consultants.
On-site measurements · Personal dosimetry where needed · Hearing protection advice
Simon Rehill AMIOA
Noise & vibration consultant
IOA Diploma in Acoustics and Noise Control
Technical Member of IOSH
Registered with BOHS
A clear assessment.
A practical action plan.
A noise at work assessment connects workplace measurements with the tasks people carry out. We help you understand who is exposed and what action to take.
Workplace noise survey
Measurements of relevant tasks, machinery and work areas using calibrated sound level meters. We consider typical operations and variations across the working day.
Consultation
After your assessment has been carried out, our consultants will debrief you on any findings or recommendations whilst on-site.
Hearing protection guidance
Advice on suitable protection for the measured noise, taking account of attenuation and the need to hear speech, alarms and other safety signals.
Practical noise controls
Recommendations covering noise reduction at source, maintenance, work organisation and exposure time, with hearing protection where needed.
A written assessment report
Findings presented clearly, including relevant noise levels, exposure estimates, assumptions and the areas or activities needing attention.
Priorities and next steps
Recommendations to help you plan improvements, identify hearing protection zones and signage, and understand where training or hearing checks may be required.
Do you need a
Noise at Work assessment?
Employers must assess noise risks where work is likely to expose employees to a risk to their health. Common reasons to seek advice include:
- Noisy machinery, powered tools or impact processes.
- Staff working across several noisy tasks or departments.
- New equipment, altered shifts or changes in production.
- Uncertainty about hearing protection or existing exposure estimates.
A discussion about your activities helps establish what information and measurements are needed.
From workshops
to busy production sites.
We can discuss assessments for manufacturing, engineering, woodworking, food production, recycling, vehicle workshops and other workplaces with noisy activities.
UK-wide support.
Speak to us about your site. We agree the scope around your location, activities and workforce.
From your first enquiry
to a clear way forward.
Scope your survey
Tell us your site location, activities, workforce and shift pattern. We agree the assessment scope and quote before arranging the visit.
Measure representative work
We assess relevant tasks and machinery. Dosimetry is included where agreed and appropriate to the assessment.
Receive clear findings
Your report explains the results and recommended actions. We can discuss the findings so you understand how to take them forward.
What do the exposure levels mean?
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 apply in Great Britain. The main exposure values are shown below; Northern Ireland has separate regulations.
135 dB(C) peak
Assess the risks and provide information and training. Make suitable hearing protection available on request.
137 dB(C) peak
Implement a programme of noise reduction. Provide and ensure use of suitable hearing protection where required.
140 dB(C) peak
Exposure must not exceed this limit, taking account of the protection provided by hearing protectors.
The dB(A) values relate to daily or, where permitted, weekly personal exposure, not an individual machine reading. Compare action values without deducting hearing protection; protection is taken into account for the exposure limits. Peak sound pressure must also be assessed.
Read the HSE’s employer guidance and summary of the regulations. An assessment supports your compliance work; the recommended controls still need to be implemented.
Before you book your assessment.
How much does a Noise at Work assessment cost?
The cost depends on the site, the activities and shifts to be covered, and any personal dosimetry required. Send your postcode, an outline of the work and approximate staff numbers so we can provide a quote for the right scope.
How long does a noise survey take?
The visit needs to capture representative working conditions. Duration depends on the processes, shift patterns and measurements required. We agree the survey arrangements and expected report timescale with you when scoping the work.
Do we need to stop production?
Measurements normally need to reflect the work employees actually do, so typical operations should be running. We agree access, safety arrangements and any unusual or intermittent tasks with you before the visit.
How often should we review our assessment?
Review it when changes could affect exposure or there is reason to doubt its validity, and check it regularly. HSE advises checking whether a review is needed within about two years even if nothing appears to have changed. This is not a fixed requirement for an annual survey.
What is the difference between a noise survey and an assessment?
A survey gathers noise measurements. An assessment uses reliable exposure information to evaluate the risks, identify affected employees and recommend controls. The measurements and exposure durations need to represent the work being assessed.
Can you assess hand-arm vibration during the same visit?
We also provide Hand-Arm Vibration assessments. If your team uses powered hand tools, mention this when you enquire so we can discuss a combined visit and agree which tools and tasks to assess.
Review guidance: HSE — assessing workplace noise risks.
More help with workplace exposure.
Hand-Arm Vibration
Discuss tool testing alongside your noise assessment.
Noise & vibration training
Build your team’s understanding of measurements and risk assessments.
Noise & vibration guidance
Explore practical articles about noise, vibration and workplace exposure.
Let’s make your next steps clear.
For a useful quote, tell us your site postcode, main activities, approximate staff numbers and any deadline.