Noise at Work Assessments 

Employers are responsible for their staff’s exposure to noise in the workplace. Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, it is a legal requirement for employers to undertake a noise at work assessment if any employee is likely to be exposed to excessive levels of noise.

A typical noise at work assessment involves taking noise measurements onsite to ascertain the levels of noise employees are exposed to, taking into account exposure times. Measured levels are then assessed against the Action Values detailed in the Noise at Work Regulations to determine any requirements for mitigation. This could include workplace design, provision of quiet spaces, job rotation, selection of quieter equipment or acoustic treatments (e.g. acoustic enclosures). Where noise control measures have been implemented but the Action Values are still exceeded, guidance on the selection of appropriate hearing protection may be needed.

NSL has extensive experience providing Noise at Work Assessments for uses such as blacksmiths, sawmills, and data centres across the UK. This includes onsite noise measurements, formulation of assessment reports and mitigation design advice.