Occupational noise assessment
An occupational noise assessment should identify who is exposed, the tools and processes involved, exposure duration and peak or daily levels. Hearing damage, tinnitus and interference with warnings or communication must be considered. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set lower and upper exposure action values and an exposure limit value, requiring elimination or reduction at source so far as reasonably practicable. Use competent measurement or reliable task data where basic estimates cannot establish exposure. Prioritise quieter purchasing, enclosure, isolation and reduced time before hearing protection. Mark genuine hearing-protection zones, select protectors that provide adequate without excessive attenuation, and arrange hearing surveillance where the risk assessment shows employees are at risk, using results to review controls.
- ✓Hazards and controls drawn from HSE guidance
- ✓Scored 5x5 risk matrix
- ✓Editable Word and PDF
In short
A risk assessment identifies what could cause harm in your work, who could be harmed and how, and what you do to control the risk. Every employer must make a suitable and sufficient assessment; with five or more employees the significant findings must be recorded.
What it must include
- ✓The hazards in the activity or workplace
- ✓Who might be harmed and how
- ✓Existing controls and further action needed
- ✓Risk rating (e.g. 5x5 likelihood x severity)
- ✓Who does what by when
- ✓Review date and when to review sooner
You stay the duty holder: review the document for your site before work starts. SitePaper is a drafting tool, not a consultancy.