Does Your Workplace Need a Noise Assessment?

It is not always possible for people to recognise when noise levels are too high, or at a level where persistent exposure could be damaging. Noise is subjective, and we all have different sensory experiences. Therefore, high levels of noise are often tolerated in the workplace without realising the potentially damaging effects. Completing a full noise assessment is the only way to ensure your workplace is safe. Noise assessments give you the information you need to protect your workers. However, it’s important to use the right approach to ensure you have an accurate understanding of the situation. Here’s ours…

5 Steps to Successfully Complete a Noise Assessment

5 steps to complete your Noise at Work Assessment.

1. Identify the Main Sources of Noise

Consider all of the different sources of noise in your workplace. Analyse where and when the loudest noises occur. For example, certain processes may cause higher levels of noise at different times. Consider who the noise could affect, and who has the greatest levels of exposure.

2. Measure Noise Levels

Use dosimeters to measure noise levels around your workplace premises. Personal dosimeters should be placed on the member of staff to allow for more relevant and useful data to be gathered. From this information, you will be able to assess the level of risk in each area of the workplace. You will also be able to determine who is most at risk from exposure.

3. Implement Control Measures

Assuming noise levels are too high, you will need to implement control measures to reduce the noise impact of the main sources. The most effective way to do this is to reduce noise output at source. For example, you could use material to dampen the noise, or place a physical barrier between the noise source and the external environment. Alternatively, is there a way of making the process itself less noisy? If you are able to physically reduce noise levels, make sure you complete another noise assessment after making the improvements. If you cannot implement effective control measures at the noise source, you will need to issue employees with the correct hearing protection. Remember, you need to use industrial ear defenders with the correct SNR rating for the intended purpose.

4. Record Findings

After assessing the situation and implementing any changes, record your findings. It’s important to realise that you will need to review this regularly; put a date in the diary for your next noise assessment. However, you may need to complete another noise assessment before this date if there are any significant changes to working processes in the meantime.

5. Get Expert Help

It is possible to successfully complete your own noise assessment in certain workplace environments. However, expert help is often required in order to ensure the assessment is being carried out properly. For example, it is often difficult to gather the required information in larger workplaces or those with more complex operations. This can sometimes lead to significant gaps in the assessment. It’s vital to ensure your noise assessment is fully and thoroughly completed to protect everyone within your workplace. Ultimately, it’s vital to avoid any risk by ensuring your staff (and any visitors) are sufficiently protected when in the workplace. 

We’re here to help

At Workplace Exposure, our expert team have experience working with a variety of different businesses to ensure they offer a safe, compliant working environment. Our professional solutions and advice help to ensure your business meets compliance standards and is operating to best practice. If you need help in carrying out your workplace noise assessment, we’re here to help.

Our approach

Get in touch with Workplace Exposure, either give us a call on 0800 689 4386, or fill in our enquiry form to discuss your monitoring or consultancy requirements. We’ll then provide you with a no obligation proposal, we can often give an initial idea of fees whilst we discuss your needs. Once you’ve accepted our proposal we can then schedule the work. Following our site visit we’ll provide you with a comprehensive report giving you advice, recommendations and control measures where appropriate. Implement the outcomes for compliance and a happier, healthier workplace.