Health and Safety Policy Arrangements – Noise

Noise in the workplace can pose serious health risks to employees, including hearing loss, stress, and reduced concentration. In the UK, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 mandates that employers must assess and manage the risks associated with noise exposure. This involves identifying areas where noise levels are high, measuring the noise exposure, and implementing control measures to reduce it. These measures can include engineering controls, administrative controls, and providing personal hearing protection. Employers are also required to provide information, training, and regular hearing tests to employees who are exposed to significant noise levels. Managing workplace noise effectively not only protects employees’ hearing but also improves overall workplace safety and productivity.

Take a look at the information below for things you might want to include in your own H&S policy…

Feel free to copy / paste this list, and you can find out more about our full H&S policy here.

The [Proprietor / Directors] of [My Company] will ensure that;

  1. A competent person will carry out all Assessments/reports/etc. listed below. With assistance from specialist sources when required.
  2. Noise levels produced from plant and equipment, used, purchased or hired will be as low as is reasonably practicable
  3. All noise levels are to be lowered to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable
  4. We will carry out a Noise Risk Assessment whenever our employees are likely to be exposed to noise at or above the lower exposure action level of 80dB or peak sound of 135dB
  5. We will use the tests in the following table to form a rough estimate at to whether a Risk Assessment is required;
  TestProbable noise levelA Risk assessment will be needed if the noise is like this for more than
The noise is intrusive but normal conversation is possible  80 dB  6 hours
You have to shout to talk to someone 2 metres away  85 dB  2 hours
You have to shout to talk to someone 1 metre away  90 dB  45 minutes
  • Specific assessments will be carried out for young persons, persons with disabilities and new or expectant mothers,
  • We will not use hearing protection as an alternative to controlling noise by technical and/or organisational means
  • All the above assessments and subsequent control measures will be regularly monitored and reviewed as appropriate, taking into account new materials, equipment, legislation, work practices, etc.

Our minimum health and safety performance standards will be obtained from; but not restricted to;

  • The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
  • The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015
  • HSE’s L108 – Controlling Noise at Work
  • INDG 362 – Noise at Work – an employer’s guide
  • INDG 363 – Protect your hearing or loose it – employees guide

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Written By Ian