Hearing Conservation Programme
Programme design
Documented framework
PPE management
Selection · fit · review
Surveillance link
Audiometric integration
Hearing conservation
Structured employer programme
What it is
Hearing conservation as a structured programme
A hearing conservation programme treats workplace noise as a long-running risk to be managed continuously, not as a one-off survey. It pulls together exposure data, control measures, hearing protection, training, audiometric surveillance and management review into a single, coherent framework.
The programme integrates with the noise at work regulations, builds on workplace noise surveys and aligns with the hearing protection assessment.
Components
Programme components
Exposure assessment
Periodic measurement and dosimetry, with up-to-date LEX,8h per SEG and clear change triggers.
Engineering control
Hierarchy-of-control approach: substitution, enclosure, damping, isolation, distance and time.
Hearing protection
Selection against measured exposure, fit, PPE compatibility and supervised use in zones.
Training
Worker information on risk, controls, hearing protection use and reporting of concerns.
Surveillance
Coordinated audiometric surveillance for workers regularly above the upper action value.
Records & review
Documented framework, retention of records and scheduled programme review.
Approach
How we set up or review a programme
- 1
Diagnostic review
Where exposure data, hearing protection management, training and surveillance currently sit; where gaps exist against CNWR 2005.
- 2
Exposure baseline
Update or confirm LEX,8h and LCpeak per similar exposure group; identify priority areas and roles.
- 3
Control evaluation
Engineering and administrative controls reviewed against the hierarchy; quick wins and longer-term opportunities flagged.
- 4
Programme design
A documented framework setting out responsibilities, schedules, records, change triggers and KPIs.
- 5
Implementation support
Hearing protection zone marking, supervisor briefings, training material and surveillance coordination.
- 6
Annual review
Periodic review of exposure, controls, hearing protection, surveillance findings and recorded incidents.
Roles
Workforce groups commonly covered
- Production and process operators
- Engineering, maintenance and setters
- Drivers and material handlers
- Cleaners and contractors
- Supervisors with shop-floor presence
- Audiometry-flagged individuals
Surveillance
Audiometric surveillance integration
We coordinate the noise side with your occupational health provider — see related noise-induced hearing loss guidance.
- Baseline audiometry at recruitment
- Annual surveillance for the first two years
- Routine surveillance every three years after
- Earlier follow-up after shifts in audiogram
- Trigger criteria and management process
- Confidential reporting and feedback loop
Documentation
Programme documentation
- Programme charter and scope
- Roles and responsibilities
- Exposure records and review cycle
- Hearing protection register
- Zone signage register
- Training records
- Surveillance management process
- Annual programme review report
Integration
Integration with wider systems
- Health and safety management system
- Permit-to-work for noisy tasks
- Change control for new machinery
- Procurement and quieter purchasing
- Contractor onboarding
- Internal audit schedule
FAQ
Hearing conservation programme — frequently asked questions
What is a hearing conservation programme?+
A hearing conservation programme is a structured, documented employer programme that combines exposure assessment, engineering and administrative control, hearing protection management, employee information and training, and health surveillance — all coordinated to prevent occupational hearing damage.
Is a programme required by law?+
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require all of the components a hearing conservation programme brings together. A formal programme makes the framework coherent and auditable, and is the standard expected of employers with significant noise exposure.
When should we put one in place?+
Whenever a meaningful proportion of the workforce is exposed at or above the upper action value, or where health surveillance has shown hearing changes attributable to noise exposure. A programme is also recommended for industries with consistent exposure variability — manufacturing, engineering, construction, processing and plant operations.
What does the programme cover?+
Exposure assessment, hearing protection programme, engineering and administrative control, hearing protection zones, supervision and PPE compatibility, audiometric surveillance, training, record-keeping, change management and periodic review.
Does it include health surveillance?+
Yes. Audiometric health surveillance is a core programme component for workers regularly exposed at or above the upper action value. We coordinate with occupational health providers; we do not deliver audiometry directly.
Is this different from a noise survey?+
Yes. A noise survey establishes exposure at a point in time. A hearing conservation programme is the ongoing structure that uses noise survey data, hearing protection management and surveillance to keep exposure under control over years.
How often is the programme reviewed?+
Programme review is typically annual, with exposure reassessment at least every two years or whenever a material change occurs. Hearing protection adequacy is reviewed against current exposure data, not against the protection chosen at the time of original assessment.