Free noise risk assessment template (Word download)
Breakers, saws, grinders, nail guns and compressors can all push daily noise exposure past the legal action values. This template records the noise sources, how much exposure people get, and what you're doing about it.
Download the noise risk assessment template (.docx)
[DISCLAIMER — DRAFT, FOR SOLICITOR REVIEW] This template is a starting point only. You are responsible for assessing the risks of your own work, and for making sure any document you produce from it is suitable and sufficient for the task, the site and the people involved. It is not health and safety advice.
What's in the template
- Document control
- Work activity — what, where and who
- Noise sources — each tool or process, its noise level and time in use
- Exposure assessment — against the legal action and limit values
- Risk rating — before and after controls, on a 5 × 5 scale
- Control measures
- Hearing protection
- Health surveillance
- Information, instruction and training
- Briefing record — sign-off sheet
The legal values
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set three levels, based on a worker's average daily or weekly exposure and on peak noise:
| Daily or weekly exposure | Peak sound pressure | |
|---|---|---|
| Lower exposure action values | 80 dB(A) | 135 dB(C) |
| Upper exposure action values | 85 dB(A) | 137 dB(C) |
| Exposure limit values | 87 dB(A) | 140 dB(C) |
At the lower values, employers must assess the risk, give workers information and training, and make hearing protection available. At the upper values, they must put in place a programme of measures to reduce exposure, mark hearing protection zones, and make sure hearing protection is worn. The limit values must not be exceeded at the ear, taking hearing protection into account.
Working out exposure
Exposure depends on both how loud the tool is and how long it's used. Take noise levels from the manufacturer's data or from measurements, and record how long each person uses each tool in a typical day. The HSE publishes a free noise exposure calculator that turns these into a daily exposure figure.
Controls, in order
- Use quieter equipment or a quieter method.
- Keep tools and plant maintained — worn parts are often noisier.
- Put distance, screens or enclosures between noisy work and people.
- Limit the time people spend on noisy tasks.
- Use hearing protection for the noise that remains, and make sure it's worn properly.
Where the assessment shows a risk to health, workers need health surveillance — usually regular hearing checks.
Record noise as a hazard in your RAMS and reference this assessment there.
Answer a few questions about the job and get a completed RAMS in Word, ready to send.
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