Workplace Noise Surveys

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Key Benefits of Workplace Noise Surveys

• Ensure your compliance with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 by making sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded
• Protect your employees from hearing loss and other conditions such as tinnitus
• Identify sources of noise and assess whether your existing control measures are effective
• Avoid potential fines and prosecutions
• Receive guidance and recommendations on how to reduce and control noise in your workplace
• Select the right hearing protection and identify what areas/tasks require hearing protection to be worn
• Create a quieter workplace and therefore a safer workplace as workers are better able to communicate and hear alarms

What is Workplace Noise Surveys?

As a simple guide, this is likely to be relevant to your workplace if any of the following apply:

• There is intrusive noise for most of the working day – at a similar level to a busy street, crowded restaurant, or vacuum cleaner
• Your employees have to raise their voices to hold a normal conversation from 2 metres apart
• Your employees use noisy powered tools or machinery for more than half an hour each day
• You are in a noisy industry for example construction, woodworking, fabrication or foundries
• There are impact noises in your workplace such as from hammering or pneumatic impact tools

An important part of your risk assessment will be making a reliable estimate of your employees’ exposures to noise and comparing these exposures with the exposure action values and limit values. This is where a Workplace Noise Survey can help.

Exposure to too much noise at work can lead to permanent, incurable damage to hearing. The Workplace Noise Survey will help you understand the sources of noise, who is likely to be exposed and to what extent. This information will then direct what action is required to protect you and your workforce.

What to Expect

The Workplace Noise Survey will be undertaken by an experienced Occupational Hygiene Consultant who will visit your site. The consultant will gather noise exposure data using specialist instruments such as personal dosimeters, which are worn by your employees and handheld sound level meters. They will make observations and gather information from you and your employees on work practices and existing controls.

All the information is then compiled into a report where we will advise you on your current level of compliance. We will provide you with tailored, practical recommendations on how to reduce or eliminate noise and offer guidance on the selection of suitable hearing protection where required.