Noise at Work Regulations 2005: HSE Rules

Regulatory citation: Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1643)

What Are the Control of Noise at Work Regulations?

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers in Great Britain to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work. They set exposure action values and limit values that trigger specific duties.

Why Noise Rules Matter

Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are permanent but preventable. Many workers in manufacturing, construction, agriculture and entertainment are exposed to damaging noise levels.

Exposure Values and Duties

1. Lower Exposure Action Values

A daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80 dB(A) and a peak sound pressure of 135 dB(C). At this level, employers must assess the risk, provide information and training, and make hearing protection available on request.

2. Upper Exposure Action Values

A daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85 dB(A) and a peak sound pressure of 137 dB(C). At this level, employers must reduce exposure through a program of organizational and technical measures, provide hearing protection, and establish hearing protection zones where it must be worn.

3. Exposure Limit Values

A daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87 dB(A) and a peak sound pressure of 140 dB(C). These limits take account of the reduction provided by hearing protection and must not be exceeded.

4. Risk Assessment

Employers must assess the risks where workers are likely to be exposed at or above a lower exposure action value, and review the assessment when things change.

5. Health Surveillance

Health surveillance, usually regular hearing checks, must be provided for workers likely to be regularly exposed above the upper exposure action values, or at risk for any other reason.

Common Compliance Approaches

Reduce Noise at Source

Use quieter equipment, maintenance and enclosures before relying on hearing protection.

Mark Hearing Protection Zones

Use clear signage and enforce protection use in high-noise areas.

Act on Hearing Check Results

Use surveillance results to identify workers needing support and areas needing better controls.

Example: Noise Control in Practice

A quarry's crushing plant exposes operators to around 90 dB(A). The operator installs a control cabin with acoustic insulation, rotates tasks to reduce time near the crusher, marks hearing protection zones, provides suitable ear defenders and arranges annual hearing checks for exposed workers.

Related regulations: OSHA Noise Standard, WHS noise regulations, HSE COSHH.

Note: This summary reflects the regulations as they apply in Great Britain, enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local authorities. Northern Ireland has equivalent but separate legislation. Always check the current legislation and HSE guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the noise limit at work in the UK?

The exposure limit value is a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87 dB(A), or a peak of 140 dB(C), taking account of hearing protection. Action is also required at the lower and upper exposure action values of 80 dB(A) and 85 dB(A).

When must hearing protection be worn in the UK?

Employers must provide hearing protection and require its use in hearing protection zones where exposure is at or above the upper exposure action values of 85 dB(A) daily or weekly exposure or 137 dB(C) peak. Hearing protection must be made available on request at the lower action values.

Is health surveillance required for noise?

Yes, for workers likely to be regularly exposed above the upper exposure action values, or who are at risk for any reason, such as having existing hearing loss.