HSE Noise Assessment
L108 aligned
HSE guidance
LEX,8h evidence
Per worker / SEG
Defensible record
Inspector-ready
HSE-aligned assessment
Suitable & sufficient evidence
What it is
What an HSE noise assessment delivers
An HSE-aligned noise assessment provides the competent evaluation an employer is expected to hold under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. It establishes who is exposed, at what level, against which action value, with what controls, and what improvements are reasonably practicable.
The output is structured around HSE guidance L108 so it can be relied on during inspection, used to support an improvement plan, or referenced when responding to enforcement. It is complementary to a wider workplace noise survey and to noise at work regulations guidance.
Scope
What the assessment covers
- Workforce mapping and similar exposure groups
- Area and task-based sound measurements
- Personal noise dosimetry where representative
- LEX,8h and weekly exposure calculation
- Peak sound pressure (LCpeak) assessment
- Existing controls and their effectiveness
- Hearing protection adequacy and zones
- Risk-assessment and review schedule
- Prioritised improvement recommendations
Action values
Comparison with HSE action values
Exposure is compared against the action and limit values set out under CNWR 2005 — see also noise action values for the dedicated assessment service.
- Lower exposure action value: 80 dB(A) LEX,8h
- Upper exposure action value: 85 dB(A) LEX,8h
- Exposure limit value: 87 dB(A) LEX,8h (under hearing protection)
- Peak action values 135 / 137 dB(C)
- Weekly averaging where shift pattern justifies
- Action-triggered duties documented
Approach
Our HSE-aligned approach
- 1
Walk-through and scoping
Review of layout, tasks, machinery and shifts to define a representative measurement plan.
- 2
Measurement and dosimetry
Class 1 sound-level measurement, calibrated before and after, supported by personal dosimetry where exposure varies.
- 3
Exposure calculation
LEX,8h, weekly exposure and LCpeak per worker or similar exposure group with documented assumptions.
- 4
Control evaluation
Review of existing engineering, administrative and hearing-protection controls against the hierarchy of control.
- 5
Reporting
An HSE-style report with measurements, calculations, photographic record and prioritised recommendations.
Documentation
What you receive
- Method statement
- Calibration certificates
- Measurement and dosimetry records
- Exposure tables per SEG
- Control hierarchy review
- Hearing protection adequacy review
- Photographic evidence
- Prioritised action plan
- Review and re-assessment recommendation
Triggers
When to commission an HSE noise assessment
- First-time CNWR 2005 compliance
- After an HSE inspection or notice
- Following a complaint or near-miss
- Change of machinery or process
- Layout, shift or staffing changes
- Existing assessment over two years old
- Acquisition or due-diligence support
- Insurance or audit request
Workforce
Who is assessed
Assessment uses similar exposure groups so every worker is represented — see personal noise dosimetry for mobile or multi-task roles.
- Production and process operators
- Maintenance and engineering
- Setters and supervisors
- Cleaners, drivers and pickers
- Visitors and contractors in noisy areas
- Office staff with periodic shop-floor exposure
FAQ
HSE noise assessment — frequently asked questions
What is an HSE noise assessment?+
An HSE noise assessment is a workplace noise survey carried out in line with HSE expectations under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and HSE guidance L108. It produces the suitable and sufficient evidence an employer is expected to hold on employee exposure, controls, hearing protection and review.
Is an HSE noise assessment a formal HSE inspection?+
No. HSE inspections are carried out by HSE inspectors. An HSE-aligned noise assessment is the competent assessment an employer is required to commission so that — if HSE inspects, or an enforcement notice is issued — there is documentary evidence that exposure has been characterised and that proportionate controls are in place.
When is an HSE-style noise assessment required?+
Whenever workers are likely to be exposed at or above the lower exposure action value (80 dB(A) LEX,8h), where there is reason to believe noise may harm health, or where existing assessments are out of date or no longer representative of the work.
What evidence does an HSE assessment produce?+
A measurement record, calibration record, exposure calculations per worker or similar exposure group, comparison with the action and limit values, evaluation of existing controls and hearing protection, and prioritised recommendations. The report is structured so it can be shown to an HSE inspector on request.
How often should it be reviewed?+
HSE guidance suggests review at least every two years, and sooner whenever there is a material change — new machinery, new processes, layout change, shift change, or after the installation of controls.
Does the assessment include hearing protection?+
Yes. Hearing protection selection, attenuation review, fit, PPE compatibility and the marking of hearing protection zones are evaluated as part of the wider control hierarchy, not as a substitute for engineering control.
Can existing noise data be reused?+
Existing data is reviewed and reused where it is representative, traceable and current. Where data is stale, incomplete or non-traceable, new measurements are taken. The aim is to give HSE a defensible, current picture.