Noise risk assessment
An assessment of the noise exposure of employees to determine whether the exposure action values or limit values are exceeded, and to identify and implement appropriate control measures.
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“noise risk assessment”Exact equivalentRegulation 5 of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1643) requires employers to make a suitable and sufficient assessment of noise exposure. The assessment must identify workers at risk, the level of exposure, the availability of quieter alternatives, and the effectiveness of existing controls.
Irish HSA
“noise risk assessment”Close equivalentThe Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/371) require employers to assess noise exposure before providing hearing protection. The assessment must determine whether action or limit values are exceeded and identify the appropriate hierarchy of controls.
US OSHA
“noise monitoring”Close equivalentOSHA 29 CFR 1910.95(d) requires noise monitoring when noise levels may equal or exceed the action level of 85 dB(A) TWA. Monitoring must be repeated when changes occur that could increase noise exposure. Results must be made available to employees.
Practitioner note: Measure rather than estimate. Exposure depends on duration as well as level, so a short burst of high noise can outweigh a full shift at a lower level.