Noise at work

Noise is a workplace hazard in many HSE settings. It can occur in clinical and non-clinical areas.

Common sources include equipment, plant rooms, laundry services, workshops, catering areas and maintenance work. Construction and refurbishment work can also create high noise levels.

Noise is any sound that can be harmful. The higher the noise level and the longer the exposure, the greater the risk of harm. Repeated exposure to loud noise can damage hearing which can be permanent.

Noise-induced hearing loss develops gradually. It is often linked with tinnitus, which may cause ringing or buzzing in the ears. Noise can also affect health in other ways, including stress, fatigue and difficulty concentrating.

When noise is a risk

Noise may be an issue if:

• you must shout to be heard by someone 2 metres away
• your ears continue to ring after leaving work

These are warning signs that noise levels may be too high. Noise risk depends on how loud the noise is and how long employees are exposed to it.

Manager responsibilities

Managers must identify areas where noise is a concern and ensure a noise risk assessment is completed. Control measures should focus on reducing noise at source where possible, such as using quieter equipment, barriers, screens or changes to work practices.

The risk assessment should consider:

• level, type and duration of exposure
• exposure limit values and the exposure action values
• effects of noise on employees
• interactions between noise and warning signals or other sounds needed to prevent accidents
• noise emission information from equipment manufacturers
• availability of quieter alternative equipment
• exposure to noise beyond normal normal working hours
• availability of hearing protectors

Employee responsibilities

Employees play a key role in managing noise risks.

Employees must:

• report noise concerns to their manager
• follow agreed control measures
• wear hearing protection where required
• attend training
• participate in health surveillance as appropriate

Noise measurements - exposure action values

Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB).

There are 3 key exposure levels to be aware of:

Lower exposure action value - 80 dB

At 80 dB, the lower exposure action value is reached.

Managers must:

• assess the noise risk
• provide information on noise levels and possible side effects
• provide training
• make hearing protection available

Employees must be informed about:

• noise levels
• associated risks
• measures in place to reduce exposure
• available hearing protection
• hearing checks where required

Upper exposure action value - 85 dB

At 85 dB or above, the upper exposure action value is reached.

Managers must:

• identify the source of the noise
• put a programme in place to reduce exposure
• ensure mandatory wearing of hearing protection
• display mandatory warning signage
• restrict access to noisy areas where necessary
• arrang hearing checks and audiometric testing

Exposure limit value - 87 dB

No employee must be exposed above 87 dB. This limit applies after hearing protection has been taken into account. If this level is exceeded, immediate action must be taken to reduce exposure.

Hearing protection

Hearing protection must be suitable for the work being done. It must not prevent employees from hearing alarms, warnings or instructions.

Managers and employees must work together to ensure hearing protection is used correctly, maintained and stored properly. Training must be provided on how to wear and maintain it.

Types of hearing protection include:

• earmuffs, which cover the ears
• earplugs, which are inserted into the ear canal
• semi-inserts ('canal caps'), which cover the entrance to the ear canal

Correct fitting is essential. For guidance, see the Earplug Insertion poster (PDF, 10 KB, 1 page)

Health surveillance

Health surveillance helps protect employees’ hearing. It includes hearing checks and audiometric testing carried out by a registered medical practitioner.

Health surveillance can:

• detect early signs of hearing damage
• prevent further hearing loss
• check that noise controls are effective

It should begin before exposure to workplace noise. It should continue at regular intervals, such as for new employees or those changing roles.

Health surveillance can be arranged through your local occupational health department (PDF, 113 KB, 3 pages).

Occupational hygienist

An occupational hygienist can measure workplace noise levels and assess exposure.

A simple check is whether you can talk to someone 2 metres away without shouting. If not, noise levels may need to be monitored.

Where noise levels are monitored, a report is given to the manager. It will show exposure levels for tasks and environments and include recommendations to reduce noise exposure.

For more information, see Occupational Hygiene Monitoring in the Workplace (PDF, 670 KB, 8 pages).

Related documents

Generic risk assessment form (Word, 36 KB, 2 pages)

Generic risk assessment interactive form (Word, 59 KB, 2 pages)