Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Awareness

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 protect workers from hearing damage caused by workplace noise.
The lower exposure action value is 80 dB(A) daily exposure — employers must provide hearing protection on request.
The upper exposure action value is 85 dB(A) — hearing protection zones must be established and use is mandatory.
The exposure limit value is 87 dB(A) taking account of hearing protection — this must never be exceeded.
Peak sound pressure limits are 135 dB(C) lower action, 137 dB(C) upper action, and 140 dB(C) limit.
Employers must assess noise exposure, reduce it at source where reasonably practicable, and provide protection.
Health surveillance including audiometry is required for workers regularly exposed above 85 dB(A).
Information and training must be provided to all workers exposed above the lower action value.
Noise reduction at source is always preferred over hearing protection under the hierarchy of control.
Common construction activities exceeding 85 dB(A) include breaking, cutting, piling, grinding, and drilling.

Hearing loss	Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible — it is the most common occupational disease in construction.
Legal duty	The 2005 Regulations impose specific duties at each action level — non-compliance is a criminal offence.
Quality of life	Hearing loss and tinnitus affect communication, social life, and mental health for the rest of the worker's life.

Do

Don't

Assess noise exposure for all workers carrying out loud construction tasks
Explore noise reduction at source before relying on hearing protection
Provide hearing protection to any worker who requests it above 80 dB(A) exposure
Establish mandatory hearing protection zones where exposure exceeds 85 dB(A)
Display clear signs at the boundary of hearing protection zones
Provide health surveillance with audiometry for workers exposed above 85 dB(A)
Train workers on the risks of noise exposure and correct use of hearing protection
Select hearing protection that reduces exposure below 87 dB(A) without over-protection
Maintain hearing protection in good condition and replace worn or damaged items
Record noise assessments and health surveillance results for each affected worker

DON'T ignore noise exposure because construction sites are expected to be noisy
DON'T exceed the 87 dB(A) exposure limit value under any circumstances
DON'T rely solely on hearing protection without considering noise reduction at source first
DON'T refuse hearing protection to a worker who requests it above 80 dB(A)
DON'T skip health surveillance for workers regularly exposed above the upper action value
DON'T use damaged, dirty, or poorly fitting hearing protection — it loses effectiveness
DON'T allow entry into mandatory hearing protection zones without correct protection worn
DON'T assume peak noise events like hammer blows are too brief to cause damage
DON'T forget that daily exposure includes all noisy tasks added together across the shift
DON'T leave workers uninformed about their noise exposure level and how to protect themselves

See also: Noise Induced Hearing Loss | Hearing Protection Selection

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