Noise

Noise may at times be described as annoying, distracting and causing stress; it can also affect communication and interfere with concentration. Most importantly, the effects of excessive noise at work can permanently and irreversibly damage an individual’s hearing. The risk depends on the loudness of the noise and the duration i.e. how long the individual is exposed to it. However, noise induced hearing loss is completely preventable. Therefore, it is important that the Department controls the exposure to noise of its staff, students and anyone else affected by it.

There are a number of things to consider when managing the use of tools or machinery which could pose a risk of harm from excessive noise.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work.

These Regulations impose a hierarchy of control measures triggered by action values, as shown below.

Lower Exposure Action (LEA) values:

  • Daily exposure of 80 dB(A): as an average over 8 hrs.
  • Peak sound pressure of 135 dB(C): maximum single event noise level.

If either of these values is exceeded, the Regulations require the noise to be controlled at source, where reasonably practicable.

Upper Exposure Action values (UEA):

  • Daily exposure of 85 dB(A): as an average over 8 hrs.
  • Peak sound pressure of 137 dB(C): maximum single event noise level.

If either of these values is exceeded the Regulations require a formal program to control the noise at source where reasonably practicable. If the control measures do not reduce the noise below these action values, then hearing protection must be used by those exposed above the upper action values.

Risk Assessment

The responsibility for controlling noise lies with the Supervisor (for students and research staff) or the Line Manager (for academic-related and assistant staff).

Supervisors or Line Managers should lead or oversee risk assessments specific to their labs/workshops:

  • The first step is to create an Inventory of equipment: Identify all tools/machines that generate noise (e.g., grinders, drills, saws, items of research equipment).

When an inventory has been prepared inform the Department Safety Office who will arrange for identified tools or equipment to be assessed to give an indication of the noise levels that users may be exposed to. During the assessment the Supervisor or Line Manager will be required to provide a competent member of staff to operate the tool or machinery.

When the exposure level is known Supervisors and Line Managers may need to introduce control measures to reduce the risks identified.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of control to reduce risk — not just PPE.

  1. Elimination / substitution
    • Avoid using noisy tools when possible or use lower-noise alternatives.
    • When buying or hiring equipment, prioritise tools rated with lower noise levels.
  2. Engineering controls
    • Maintain equipment well (e.g., sharpen cutting parts) — poor maintenance often increases sound levels.
    • Damping - use anti-vibration mounts and inspect to ensure they are in good condition.
    • Enclosure - use barriers or screens to reduce noise.
  3. Organisational controls
    • Limit how long someone uses a noisy tool (based on trigger time).
    • Schedule work so that no one person is over-exposed; rotate tasks.
    • Where assessment has shown that a tool may meet, or exceed, the UEA a label will be applied to the tool indicating that hearing protection is mandatory.
  4. Personal protective measures
    • Provide appropriate hearing protection, but only after applying higher-level controls.

Training and Supervision

Supervisors or Line Managers should ensure that:

  • All staff and students who might use noisy equipment are trained on:
    • Risks (what hearing loss is).
    • Symptoms to watch for (e.g. hearing changes).
    • Correct use of tools (avoid forcing a tool).
    • Maintenance importance, and how to report problems.
    • When and how to use PPE, and its limitations.
  • Periodic supervised practice: check that people are working in a safe, controlled way
  • Provide information, instruction, and supervision as part of induction and ongoing work.

Health Surveillance

Occupational Health (OH) undertake regular hearing tests (audiometric testing) for employees that, following risk assessment, have been identified as regularly exposed to noise at or above the Upper Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 85db.

Where exposure is between the first and second action value i.e. 80db and the upper EAV (85db); if an individual has been identified as particularly sensitive to noise/NIHL and shall therefore be registered on the OH surveillance audiometric testing programme.

Supervisors and Line Managers should flag such cases and ensure those exposed are referred to OH. Supervisors and Line Managers can arrange health surveillance (audiometric testing) for your students or employees.  The individual should complete form OHF27 - Noise initial health assessment.

Records of employees registered on the health surveillance programme should be kept. Results of hearing tests will be made available to the employee by OH.  Supervisor or Line Manager and DSO being informed of the overall results of a hearing test with the consent of the employee.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

  • Supervisors and Line Managers should ensure periodically review noise risk assessments, especially if:
    • New equipment is introduced
    • Working practices change
    • There is a complaint or incident
    • Health surveillance raises concerns.
  • Keep a log of control measures, training, exposures, and health surveillance.
  • Encourage reporting of early symptoms (hearing issues) by staff and students.

Purchasing Tools and Equipment

  • Manufacturer’s noise emission data: Details in the instruction manual should enable the purchaser to compare similar machines and identify the most suitable machine when buying or hiring new machinery.
  • Power Tools: Look for brands that prioritize ergonomics and quiet motors. Even a 3 dB difference in volume equates to cutting the noise risk/exposure time in half.
  • Tool Materials: If appropriate substitute metal hammers with plastic or rubber mallets.

Maintenance of Tools and Equipment

Regular equipment maintenance is critical for minimizing noise and preventing hearing loss. Tools and machinery naturally deteriorate with use, leading to louder friction, metal-on-metal impacts, and loose panel vibrations. Preventive maintenance limits wear-related noise, keeping equipment safe and operational.

To ensure your workplace tools are effectively maintained to reduce noise, follow these critical steps:

  • Lubrication: Regularly grease moving parts, bearings, and gears to reduce friction and eliminate high-pitched screeches or grinding sounds.
  • Tighten Components: Secure loose machine guards, panels, and covers. Vibrating metal panels are a primary source of radiated noise.
  • Sharpen and Replace Blades: Dull blades on saws and cutting tools require more force and create significantly more noise and vibration.

Further guidance

UoC - HSD084P Noise at Work

HSE – L108 Controlling noise at work

HSE - Noise in engineering guidance

HSE - INDG363 Noise  Don’t lose your hearing

Updated 02/07/2026