Noise Assessments

Workplace (Occupational) and Environmental Noise Assessments

Relevant legislation

The main relevant legislation covering the control of noise in the workplace is the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 1 of Part 5: Control of Noise at Work.  Under these regulations, when employees are likely to be exposed to noise at work above the lower exposure action value, an employer is obliged to carry out a detailed Noise Risk Assessment, completed by a competent person.

If any employee is likely to be at risk from noise, the employer must establish and implement a programme of technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure. 

Personal protective equipment (ear plugs or ear muffs) is always a last resort to reduce exposure if no other measures have been successful at reducing the exposure to noise.