CDM/General/TBT-CDM-016

Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Awareness

CDM & Legal Framework › General › Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Awareness

All Categories/CDM & Legal Framework/General/Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Awareness

Noise at Work Regulations 2005 Awareness

Toolbox Talk Record

Ref: TBT-CDM-016  |  Issue: 1  |  Date: March 2026
PresenterProject
LocationDate

What?

  • 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.

Why?

Hearing lossNoise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible — it is the most common occupational disease in construction.
Legal dutyThe 2005 Regulations impose specific duties at each action level — non-compliance is a criminal offence.
Quality of lifeHearing 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
ebrora.com

RAMS Builder

Generate professional Risk Assessment and Method Statements in minutes. 10 document formats, site-specific content, instant Word download.

Learn More