Occupational Health · Mandatory · Pre-Construction
Noise Risk Assessment and Exposure Record
A risk assessment for noise exposure on construction sites covering common high-noise activities such as angle grinding, disc cutting, percussion drilling, and pneumatic breaking. Documents noise levels, daily LEP,d calculations, and whether the lower EAV (80 dB(A)), upper EAV (85 dB(A)), or ELV (87 dB(A)) are exceeded, with controls following the hierarchy from elimination to hearing protection.
Last reviewed: 29 March 2026 — This guide reflects UK law as of this date. Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 remains current with no amendments enacted as of 29 March 2026. Next scheduled review: 29 March 2027.
| Legal basis | Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (CNWR 2005) |
| Lower EAV | 80 dB(A) daily or weekly personal noise exposure — triggers information, instruction, and availability of hearing protection |
| Upper EAV | 85 dB(A) daily or weekly personal noise exposure — triggers mandatory hearing protection zones, health surveillance, and noise reduction programme |
| Exposure Limit Value | 87 dB(A) after taking account of hearing protection — must not be exceeded |
| Key fact | NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) is the second most common occupational disease in the UK. Construction workers are 3 times more likely to report hearing problems than workers in other industries. |
1. Noise — The Silent Epidemic on Construction Sites
Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent, progressive, and entirely preventable. It develops gradually over months and years of cumulative exposure, meaning that workers often do not notice the damage until it is too late to reverse. By the time a worker struggles to hear conversation in a noisy pub or needs the television volume higher than others, significant and irreversible damage has already occurred.
Common construction tasks produce noise levels well above the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A): angle grinding typically produces 100–105 dB(A), disc cutting 100–110 dB(A), percussion drilling 95–105 dB(A), concrete breaking 100–115 dB(A), and circular saws 95–100 dB(A). Workers performing these tasks without adequate controls are at serious risk of developing NIHL, tinnitus (permanent ringing in the ears), and associated mental health conditions including anxiety and depression.
The CNWR 2005 require employers to carry out a noise risk assessment where workers are likely to be exposed at or above the lower EAV of 80 dB(A), eliminate or reduce noise exposure so far as is reasonably practicable, and provide health surveillance for workers regularly exposed above the upper EAV. The hierarchy of controls must be followed — providing ear defenders is not a substitute for reducing noise at source where reasonably practicable.
Ear defenders alone are not enough
Providing ear defenders does not discharge the legal duty. The hierarchy of controls must be followed — eliminate noise at source, substitute quieter equipment, use engineering controls, establish hearing protection zones, and only then rely on personal hearing protection as a last line of defence.
2. Key Components
The following table sets out the key components that a noise risk assessment and exposure record must address. Each element demonstrates compliance with CNWR 2005 and informs the noise reduction programme and health surveillance decisions.
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Noise source | Identification of each noise source or noisy task on site — including the tool or equipment, the task being performed, and the location relative to other workers |
| Noise level | Measured or estimated noise level in dB(A) at the operator position — from site measurements using a calibrated sound level meter, manufacturer data, or HSE published data |
| Daily exposure duration | Estimated or measured daily duration of exposure to each noise source in hours and minutes — the period during which the worker is exposed to the noise |
| Daily LEP,d | Calculated daily personal noise exposure in dB(A) LEP,d — the equivalent continuous noise level over an 8-hour working day, taking account of all noise exposures during the shift |
| Lower EAV exceeded? | Whether the daily exposure reaches or exceeds 80 dB(A) — triggers provision of information, instruction, and making hearing protection available on request |
| Upper EAV exceeded? | Whether the daily exposure reaches or exceeds 85 dB(A) — triggers mandatory hearing protection zones, enforcement of hearing protection use, and health surveillance |
| ELV exceeded? | Whether the daily exposure reaches or exceeds 87 dB(A) after taking account of hearing protection attenuation — must not be exceeded under any circumstances |
| Controls | Specific controls applied to reduce noise exposure — elimination, substitution, engineering controls, hearing protection zones, hearing protection selection, and supervision arrangements |
| Workers exposed | Names or roles of all workers exposed to the noise source — including bystanders and workers performing adjacent tasks who may be exposed to reflected or indirect noise |
| Health surveillance | Whether audiometric health surveillance is required, arranged, and current for each exposed worker — linked to audiometric surveillance record (Q4) |
| Assessor | Name and competence of the person who carried out the noise assessment — must be competent to use and interpret sound level meter measurements |
3. Common Mistakes
Not measuring noise levels — relying on guesswork
A noise risk assessment that states “noise levels are high” or “hearing protection is required” without quantified measurements is not a valid assessment under CNWR 2005. Noise levels must be measured or reliably estimated using published data for specific tools and tasks. Without measurements, it is impossible to determine whether the lower EAV, upper EAV, or ELV is being reached, which controls are required, and what hearing protection attenuation is needed. A calibrated integrating sound level meter is the standard instrument for site noise measurements.
Not establishing hearing protection zones
Where the upper EAV of 85 dB(A) is reached or exceeded, the employer must designate hearing protection zones, mark them with appropriate signage, and ensure that every person entering the zone wears hearing protection. Many construction sites fail to establish these zones, meaning that workers performing adjacent tasks, supervisors, and visitors are exposed to hazardous noise levels without protection. Zones must be clearly marked with blue mandatory signs and enforced through active supervision.
4. Frequently Asked Questions
What type of hearing protection should be provided?▾
Hearing protection must bring the noise exposure at the ear below 85 dB(A). The selection depends on the noise level, the frequency spectrum, the working environment, and worker comfort. Ear muffs typically provide an SNR (Single Number Rating) of 25–34 dB and are easy to fit correctly. Foam ear plugs provide an SNR of 25–37 dB but only if fitted correctly — poorly fitted plugs can reduce attenuation by 10–15 dB. Comfort matters: if hearing protection is uncomfortable, workers will not wear it consistently. Over-protection should also be avoided, as it can isolate workers from warning signals and communication.
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Get started freeThis guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, regulations change and individual project circumstances vary. Construction Suite is a trading name of Xzist Digital Ltd, registered in England and Wales.