Workplace Noise Dosimetry (Control of Noise at Work)
Personal noise dosimetry surveys under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and HSE L108. Worker exposure characterisation against the 80 dB(A) lower action level, 85 dB(A) upper action level and 87 dB(A) exposure limit, with audiometry triggers and a practical hearing protection programme.
The HSE noise duty alongside your COSHH dust work
Workplaces with machinery, plant or any noisy process have a duty under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 to assess worker exposure to noise and to implement controls where action levels are exceeded. The duty operates in parallel with the COSHH dust monitoring most of these workplaces also need — and we routinely combine the two surveys on the same shift to save the client a separate visit.
The 2005 Regulations set three action thresholds: the 80 dB(A) LEP,d lower action level (where information, instruction and training, and hearing protection on request, are required); the 85 dB(A) LEP,d upper action level (where hearing protection becomes mandatory, hearing protection zones must be designated, and health surveillance starts); and the 87 dB(A) LEP,d exposure limit (a hard ceiling on actual at-ear exposure with hearing protection allowed for). Peak sound pressure is also assessed, with 135 dB(C) lower, 137 dB(C) upper and 140 dB(C) limit action thresholds.
We carry out personal noise dosimetry on a representative sample of workers across a full shift, identify the workers and the tasks driving the highest exposures, and produce a practical hearing protection and noise control programme.
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Personal Noise Dosimetry
Class 1 / Class 2 personal noise dosimeters worn by representative workers across a full shift, logging LAeq, LCpeak, LEP,d and time-history. Multiple workers per Similar Exposure Group (SEG) per HSE L108 sampling strategy.
Static Area Noise Survey
Static measurements at machines, workstations and noise zones to characterise the noise environment, support hearing protection zone designation, and produce noise maps where useful.
Hearing Protection Programme
SNR-rated hearing protection selection matched to the spectral content of the actual exposure, with practical advice on fit, comfort and compatibility with other PPE. Compliance with the BS EN 352 standard.
Hearing Protection Zone Mapping
Where workers cross between 85+ dB(A) and lower-noise areas, we map and document the mandatory hearing protection zone boundaries.
Audiometry Programme Design
Recommendations on the audiometric surveillance programme (frequency, content of baseline, follow-up triggers) required under Reg 9 for workers at or above the upper action level.
Combined Noise + COSHH Dust Survey
Joint noise / dust visit covering the Control of Noise at Work Reg 5 duty alongside the COSHH Reg 10 duty in one day — typically 30–40% cheaper than two separate visits.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need workplace noise monitoring?
When you have any reasonable expectation that workers could be exposed at or above the 80 dB(A) lower action level. In practice that means workshops with rotating, cutting, grinding, hammering or similar tools, foundries, plant rooms, generators, food production with high-volume equipment, joineries, sawmills, vehicle workshops, fabrication shops, and most manufacturing.
What are the action levels?
Lower action level: 80 dB(A) LEP,d. Upper action level: 85 dB(A) LEP,d (hearing protection mandatory, hearing protection zones designated, audiometry starts). Exposure limit: 87 dB(A) LEP,d at-ear (so the limit is at the worker's ear inside the hearing protection, not at the outside). Peak: 135 / 137 / 140 dB(C).
Can you do noise and COSHH dust on the same visit?
Yes, and clients almost always save money this way. We run both surveys in parallel on a representative full shift, then issue separate compliance reports or a single combined report covering both Reg 5 (noise) and COSHH Reg 10 (dust) duties.
How often should we survey?
Baseline survey is needed when noise sources change or when the assessment is over-due. Re-surveys are needed within a reasonable interval (typically every 2 to 3 years) or sooner if processes change, new equipment is installed, or controls are altered.
How much does workplace noise monitoring cost?
A typical baseline survey of 4 to 8 workers with personal dosimetry across a full shift plus static area measurements and a written report starts from around £900 to £1,300 plus VAT. Combined with COSHH dust monitoring on the same visit: typically £1,400 to £2,000 covering both Reg 10 and Reg 5 duties.