Certain work environments, especially construction sites, may create dangerous noise levels that need to be monitored to ensure the safety of workers, contractors, and other visitors to the location.

The issue of excessive noise can be a concern in many workplaces. That is the reason why noise levels must be monitored and dealt with according to the Control of Noise at Work Regulations.

What is an assessment of noise? What is the procedure for conducting noise assessments? Why are they crucial? Continue reading to find out more about noise assessment and why they are required for specific work environments.

What is a Noise Assessment?

An assessment of noise is an method of protecting visitors and employees from the dangers of excessive noise in the workplace, in compliance to The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

Noise risk assessments make sure that the noise levels in the workplace aren’t exceeding the levels that are recommended. They are more than just noise levels – they will also determine where the noise originates and the impact it may have on workers and other visitors to the workplace.

Similar to routine risk assessment, outcomes in noise-related risk assessment are analyzed to help develop strategies and measures that will help to reduce and eliminate noise exposure in the short and long-term.

There are more than the two million inhabitants of Britain who have suffered from dangerous levels of exposure to noise at work. It might surprise you to learn that it’s one of the most dangerous dangers in the workplace and is among the most frequently occurring injuries.

Excessive noise exposure for even a brief amount of time may cause hearing damage and, in many cases, irreparable hearing loss. This is why noise assessment are crucial and why noise assessment and monitoring of workplace noise levels are legal requirements for employees who are expected to work in environments with high level of noise in their work.

The Control of Noise At Work Regulations 2005 require companies to carry out a risk analysis to determine the source of noise and then define the ways in which it may impact employees. Anything that exceeds 87 decibels is considered to be dangerous and may affect hearing or cause ear issues like tinnitus.

Prevention measures must always be implemented in cases of noise that is excessive and risk assessments can help identify the best noise-control measures that can be implemented. Wearing PPE is recommended and hearing tests regularly should be conducted for those who are exposed to sound levels that are higher than 85 decibels.

The importance of a Noise Impact Assessment is that they will help you determine the workers who could be at risk of hearing loss or harm to their health as a result of the noise. They also assist you identify the source of loud noise, as well as the processes that contribute to the level of noise.

How do Noise Assessments are conducted?

The first thing to remember is that the noise assessment should be carried out by an experienced person. An expert is one who is aware of safety and health through knowledge and training – and, in the case of noise assessments, someone who is familiar working with instruments that measure noise.

A knowledgeable person in terms of noise assessment should know how to take effective steps to minimize noise and also interpret and assess the findings of noise risk assessments. They must be aware of relevant legislation, specifically The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.

The report on noise exposure should contain information about how the assessment was carried out and the factors that were considered. The results of the noise assessment can be used to decide the appropriate measures of control to limit excessive exposure to noise and to ensure that noise levels stay within the suggested levels.