Safety & Environmental Consulting

www.safetyenvironmental.co.uk

Noise Risk Assessment

Example Noise Assessment Report

ABC House
Ben Rider Road
Welwyn
Hertfordshire

Document
NRA/ABC/001
Number:
Revision: 00
Revision Date: 1st June 2012
 CONTENTS

1.0 Scope
2.0 Executive Summary
3.0 Survey and Assessment technique
4.0 Limitations of the Assessment
5.0 Noise risk assessment

Appendix 1 - Digital Noise Map

Appendix 2 - Assessors Observation of Workplace Practices
Appendix 3 - Workshop Employee Hearing / Noise Data Records
Appendix 4 Worker Noise Exposure Calculations
Appendix 5 - Noise Meter Calibration Certificate

1.0 SCOPE
Assessment of workshop employees noise exposure in accordance with the Control of Noise at Work
Regulations 2005.

The assessment determines the risk to health and safety created by exposure to noise in the workplace and
necessary measures for the elimination or control of exposure to noise.

2.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Some workshop employees are exposed to noise levels exceeding the LEP,d noise exposure limit value of
87 dB.

Additional control measures are required to ensure compliance with the Control of Noise at Work
Regulations 2005. Reference should be made to the additional precautions / controls required; which are
listed at the end of section 5.

3.0 SURVEY AND ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE

A noise survey was undertaken in the workshop area of the premises using a calibrated Class 2 integrating
sound level meter (IEC 61672-2-2003 standard). The sound level meter was calibrated at the beginning and
end of the noise survey using an acoustic calibrator.

Measurements were taken in operator positions and other locations around the workshop during normal
working hours and operational practice.

Workshop practices were observed by the assessor and relevant employees were interviewed to determine
their work practices.

The information gathered from the noise survey and worker information was used to calculate worker noise
exposure and an assessment of the risk to health and safety created by exposure to noise in the workplace.
4.0 LIMITATIONS OF THE ASSESSMENT
The assessment findings and recommendations are reliant on the work patterns observed by the assessor
during the two day assessment being representative of normal working patterns.

Then assessment findings and recommendations are reliant on the information obtained from employees
being accurate.

Any replaced or additional machinery may require new noise level readings.

Plant and machinery should be properly maintained to help ensure that generated noise levels do not
increase.

As plant and machinery ages noise levels may rise.

5.0 NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT

UNDERTAKEN TO ASSIST WITH COMPLIANCE WITH THE CONTROL OF NOISE AT WORK REGULATIONS 2005

ASSESSMENT DATE: 16th and 17th May 2013

WORK PREMISES / AREA: Workshop area

ACTIVITIES / PROCESSES Manufacture and assembly of ABC Ltd access equipment including
UNDERTAKEN IN THE drilling, engraving, cutting, sawing, grinding, notching, hammering,
WORKPLACE: mig and tig welding.

WHAT WAS THE HIGHEST

DAILY PERSONAL NOISE 89 dB
EXPOSURE LEVEL (LEP,d )

ARE LEVELS BELOW THE YES NO

LOWER EXPOSURE ACTION
VALUE LEVEL OF LEP,d of 80
dB

ARE LEVELS BELOW THE YES NO

LOWER EXPOSURE ACTION
VALUE LEVEL OF LCpeak of 135
dB

ARE LEVELS BETWEEN THE YES NO

LOWER AND UPPER
EXPOSURE ACTION VALUE
LEVELS (LEP,d of 80 85 dB)

ARE LEVELS BETWEEN THE YES NO

LOWER AND UPPER ACTION
VALUE LEVELS (LCpeak of 135 -
137dB)

ARE LEVELS ABOVE THE YES NO

UPPER EXPOSURE ACTION

VALUE LEVEL (LEP,d of 85 dB)

ARE LEVELS ABOVE THE YES NO

UPPER EXPOSURE ACTION
VALUE LEVEL (LCpeak of
137dB)

ARE LEVELS AT OR YES NO

EXCEEDING THE EXPOSURE

LIMIT VALUE (LEP,d of 87 dB)

ARE LEVELS AT OR YES NO

EXCEEDING THE EXPOSURE

LIMIT VALUE (LCpeak of 140 dB)

WHO COULD BE HARMED

NEW/ EXPECTANT
INEXPERIENCED
EMPLOYEES

EMPLOYEES

EMPLOYEES
WORKSHOP

DISABLED

MOTHERS
TRAINEE/
VISITORS

PERSONS
PUBLIC
OTHER

HOW COULD THOSE AT RISK BE HARMED

Gradual exposure to noise over time and sudden loud noises leading to temporary and permanent noise
induced hearing loss.

EXISTING PRECAUTIONS / CONTROLS

LEVELS BELOW THE LOWER EXPOSURE ACTION VALUE LEVEL (LEP,d of 80 dB and/or LCpeak
of 135 dB)
YES NO N/A COMMENTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
HAVE NOISE LEVELS BEEN
REDUCED TO THE LOWEST

REASONABLY
PRACTICABLE LEVEL:
LEVELS BETWEEN THE LOWER AND UPPER EXPOSURE ACTION VALUE LEVEL (LEP,d of 80
85 dB and/or LCpeak of 135 - 137dB)
YES NO N/A COMMENTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT
Undertaken 16th and 17th May 2013
UNDERTAKEN:
ADEQUATE INFORMATION Workshop employees have not been
AND TRAINING PROVIDED TO provided with adequate information /
EMPLOYEES: training.
HEARING PROTECTORS Some hearing protectors have been

PROVIDED TO EMPLOYEES: provided.
 LEVELS AT OR ABOVE THE UPPER EXPOSURE ACTION VALUE LEVEL (LEP,d of 85 dB and
LCpeak of 137dB)
YES NO N/A COMMENTS / ACTIONS TAKEN
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT
Undertaken 16th and 17th May 2013
UNDERTAKEN:
NOISE LEVELS REDUCED BY
METHODS OTHER THAN

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT:
EAR PROTECTION ZONES Ear protection zones have been
BEEN IDENTIFIED identified; Assessors observed that
they were not enforced.
ADEQUATE INFORMATION Workshop employees have not been
AND TRAINING PROVIDED TO provided with adequate information /
EMPLOYEES: training.
HEARING PROTECTORS Some hearing protection has been
PROVIDED TO EMPLOYEES provided; however only Duncan

AND ENFORCED: Brown was observed using it
appropriately.
HEARING PROTECTORS WITH
ADEQUATE PROTECTION
FACTOR: Not determined.
(SUFFICIENT TO ELIMINATE RISKS FROM
NOISE BUT NOT SO MUCH PROTECTION
THAT WEARERS BECOME ISOLATED)
HEARING PROTECTORS WHICH
ARE SUITABLE FOR THE Welders will not wear disposable ear
plugs due to hygiene concerns.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
(E.G. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY, COMFORT, Provided hearing protection is not
HYGIENE AND COMPATIBILITY WITH compatible with welding shields.
OTHER PPE)
HEALTH SURVEILLANCE
UNDERTAKEN:
(REGULAR HEARING CHECKS, CONDUCTED
ANNUALLY FOR THE FIRST TWO YEARS OF No periodic audio-metric tests have
BEING EXPOSED AND THEN AT THREE-
YEARLY INTERVALS OR MORE FREQUENT
been undertaken to date.
IF A PROBLEM WITH HEARING IS DETECTED
OR WHERE THE RISK OF HEARING DAMAGE
IS HIGH).

DO EXISTING PRECAUTIONS YES NO

REDUCE THE RISK TO THE
LOWEST REASONABLY
PRACTICABLE LEVEL:

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS / CONTROLS REQUIRED

1 Training, information and instruction must be provided to the workshop employees; which should
cover:
- The significant findings of the risk assessment, and explanation of the findings and necessary
measures that must be taken.
- The nature of risks from exposure to noise in the workshop.
- Organisational and technical measures which are to be taken in order to comply with the
requirements of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
- The legal exposure limit values and upper and lower exposure levels.
- The provision and availability of personal hearing protection and instructions on its correct
use.
- How to detect and report signs of hearing damage.
- The entitlement to health surveillance and its purposes.
- Safe working practices to minimise exposure to noise.
 - Information on the collective results of any health surveillance undertaken.

2 The risk to employees from exposure to noise should be either eliminated at source or where this is
not reasonable practicable, then it should be reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable,
using the following hierarchy:

- Undertake the work in a different way to eliminate or minimising exposure to noise.

- Modify the work, process or machines to reduce noise emissions.
- Replace the tools and equipment used with lower noise alternatives.
- Arrange the workplace and workflow to separate people from the noise.
- Reduce the noise reaching people by controlling its path from the source.

Personal hearing protection should only be used as a last resort when all possible noise reduction
measures have been achieved so far as is reasonably practicable. Personal hearing protection should
be used:

- Where there is a need to provide additional protection beyond what has been achieved through
noise-control hierarchy listed above.
- As an interim measure while developing noise-controls through the hierarchy listed above.
- It should not be used as an alternative to controlling noise by technical and organisational
means.

3 The Mandatory Ear Protection Zones must be supervised, enforced and kept under review.

4 Health surveillance must be provided to workshop employees who are exposed to noise levels
above LEP,d of 85 dB. For workshop engineers exposed to noise levels between LEP,d of 80 85
dB health surveillance should be provided where there is reason to believe that the engineer may be
particularly sensitive to noise-induced hearing loss. Records of health surveillance must be kept
and should include:

- Identification details of the employee;

- The employees history of exposure to noise;
- The outcome of previous health surveillance in terms of fitness for work, and any
restrictions required.

5 All plant and machinery should be adequately maintained and kept in good repair in accordance
with manufacturers instructions - to minimise increases in noise levels.

ASSESSOR NAME SIGNATURE DATE

28th May 2013

For and on behalf of Safety &
Environmental Consulting Ltd

28th May 2013

For and on behalf of Safety &
Environmental Consulting Ltd

ASSESSMENT REVIEW DATE

(ASSESSMENTS SHOULD BE REVIEWED EVERY TWO YEARS AND PRIOR TO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE, INCLUDING: CHANGES
IN THE WORK PLACE SUCH AS ALTERATIONS TO THE BUILDING, CHANGES IN PEOPLE SUCH AS NEW STAFF OR CHANGES
TO SHIFTS, NEW PLANT OR MACHINERY.
REVIEW DATE NOTES SIGNATURE
28.05.2015
 APPENDIX 1

DIGITAL NOISE MAP

REF DESCRIPTION LAeq LCPea REF DESCRIPTION LAeq LCPea REF DESCRIPTION LAeq LCPea
1 Pillar drill 79.41 k
108.02 12 Bench Grinder 78.41 k
96.69 23 Admin staff / visitor 48.71 k
80.71
2 Pillar drill 67.9 102.79 13 Chop saw 93.47 115.59 24 Admin staff / visitor 59.31 89.04
3 Engraver 99.56 115.75 14 Mig welding 86.59 127.38 25 Admin staff / visitor 44.18 80.09
4 Pillar drill 79.85 109.51 15 Tig Welding 79.85 103.16 26 Admin staff / visitor 62.58 87.73
5 Chop saw out of service - - 16 Stereo 62.99 80.69 27 Admin staff / visitor 60.02 94.45
6 De-burring machine 84.71 103.85 17 Stereo 69.67 94.68 28 Admin staff / visitor 60.02 94.45
7 Belt sander 98.3 118.55 18 Stereo 64.04 85.82 29 Admin staff / visitor angle grinding 84.15 100.69
8 Notching machine 70.16 108.84 19 Stereo 75.97 94.68 30 Admin staff background
/ visitor Chop saw (13) 86.34 111.12
9 Pillar drill 73.25 97.3 20 Canteen (closed door) 58.76 85.08 31 Admin staff / visitor mig welder (14) 71.95 93.18
10 Pillar drill 78.82 110.31 21 Angle grinder (mesh) 86.75 105.31 32 background
Hand drill 80.47 109.51
11 Pillar drill 74.76 101.28 22 Propane shrink wrap 76.95 94.4

5
5 21 29
17
17

33 66
77
26
v4
28
v6
12
12 88

4
4 13
13

16
16
99
25
v3
11
11
10
10

30 27
v5 31
11 22 20
24
v2 19
20
32 22
15
15 14
14

23
v1 18
 APPENDIX 2

Assessors Observation of Workplace

Practices
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
ASSESSORS OBSERVATION OF WORKPLACE PRACTICES
DATE: 16th May 2013

PREMISES / AREA: Workshop area at Merlin House, Blaydon Road, Sandy,

Bedfordshire SG19 1RZ

OBSERVATION PERIOD: Dedicated observation from 09:25 to 11:25 and then general
observation over the 2 day assessment period.

ASSESSORS NAME:
For and on behalf of Safety & Environmental Consulting Ltd.

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Manufacture and assembly of ABC Ltd access equipment

IN THE WORKPLACE: including drilling, engraving, cutting, sawing, grinding,
notching, hammering, mig and tig welding.

OBSERVATIONS

Constant music from stereos.

Regular hammering, drilling, cutting / sawing, grinding and welding.

Random, short periods of general background noise (no machinery being operated).

Regular impact noise.

Occasional hammering.

Employees generally work in their zones / area.

Intermittent but regular chop sawing of metal tubing.

Work patterns irregular and dependant on orders.

Occasional visits by administration staff.

Visitors occasionally present for short periods.

 APPENDIX 3

WORKSHOP EMPLOYEE HEARING /

NOISE DATA RECORDS

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be
practiced.
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYEE HEARING / WORK PATTERN NOISE DATA
RECORD
DATE: 16th May 2013

NAME:

AGE:

JOB TITLE:

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Stacking, lubing, cutting, drilling, assembly work.

AT WORK:

PRE-EXISTING HEARING No
LOSS (NOT MANDATORY):

ANY FAMILY HISTORY OF No

HEARING LOSS (NOT
MANDATORY):

DOES YOUR JOB EXPOSE No

YOU TO SIGNIFICANT
HAND TRANSMITTED
VIBRATION:

ON A BUSY DAY WHAT Start: 08:00

ARE YOUR USUAL DAILY Finish: 16:30
WORKING HOURS Tea break: two fifteen minute breaks.
(INCLUDE OVERTIME): Lunch break: 30 minutes.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION No

EMPLOYEE REGARDS
RELEVANT:

EMPLOYEE DAILY WORK REF DESCRIPTION HOURS (DAILY)

PATTERNS / ACTIVITIES 06 De-burring machine 01:12
(WORST CASE NOISE 07 Belt sander 00:14
EXPOSURE): 08 Notching machine 01:55
09,10, 11 Pillar drill 01:55
13 Chop saw 01:55
20 Canteen 01:00
27 Background noise 00:19

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be practiced.
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYEE HEARING / WORK PATTERN NOISE DATA
RECORD
DATE: 16th May 2013

NAME:

AGE:

JOB TITLE:

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Tig Welding 99% of the time.

AT WORK: Occasional drilling, grinding, threading, cutting, assembly.

PRE-EXISTING HEARING No
LOSS (NOT MANDATORY):

ANY FAMILY HISTORY OF

HEARING LOSS (NOT
MANDATORY):

DOES YOUR JOB EXPOSE No

YOU TO SIGNIFICANT
HAND TRANSMITTED
VIBRATION:

ON A BUSY DAY WHAT Start: 07:00

ARE YOUR USUAL DAILY Finish: 16:30
WORKING HOURS Tea break: two fifteen minute breaks.
(INCLUDE OVERTIME): Lunch break: 30 minutes.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION Welding mask does not allow for ear defenders to be worn.
EMPLOYEE REGARDS Will not wear disposable ear plugs due to risk of ear infection.
RELEVANT: Chop saw noise very invasive.

EMPLOYEE DAILY WORK REF DESCRIPTION MINUTES (DAILY)

PATTERNS / ACTIVITIES 06 De-burring machine 01:12
(WORST CASE NOISE 07 Belt sander 0:14
EXPOSURE): 08 Notching machine 01:12
09,10, 11 Pillar drill 01:55
13 Chop saw 01:55
20 Canteen 01:00
27 Background noise 02:02

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be practiced.
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYEE HEARING / WORK PATTERN NOISE DATA
RECORD
DATE: 16th May 2013

NAME:

AGE:

JOB TITLE:

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Drilling, Chop sawing, grinding.

AT WORK:

PRE-EXISTING HEARING No
LOSS (NOT MANDATORY):

ANY FAMILY HISTORY OF No

HEARING LOSS (NOT
MANDATORY):

DOES YOUR JOB EXPOSE None which is excessive, but some from chop saw and
YOU TO SIGNIFICANT grinder.
HAND TRANSMITTED
VIBRATION:

ON A BUSY DAY WHAT Start: 08:00

ARE YOUR USUAL DAILY Finish: 16:30
WORKING HOURS Tea break: two fifteen minute breaks.
(INCLUDE OVERTIME): Lunch break: 30 minutes.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION No

EMPLOYEE REGARDS
RELEVANT:

EMPLOYEE DAILY WORK REF DESCRIPTION MINUTES (DAILY)

PATTERNS / ACTIVITIES 9,10,11 Pillar drill 01:36
(WORST CASE NOISE 8 Notching machine 00:12
EXPOSURE): 13 Chop saw 02:00
12 Bench grinder 00:12
20 Canteen 01:00
27 Background noise 03:30

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be practiced.
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYEE HEARING / WORK PATTERN NOISE DATA
RECORD
DATE: 16th May 2013

NAME:

AGE:

JOB TITLE:

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Majority of the time in the office.

AT WORK: Occasional welding and chop sawing.

PRE-EXISTING HEARING No
LOSS (NOT MANDATORY):

ANY FAMILY HISTORY OF

HEARING LOSS (NOT
MANDATORY):

DOES YOUR JOB EXPOSE Occasionally when using grinder.

YOU TO SIGNIFICANT
HAND TRANSMITTED
VIBRATION:

ON A BUSY DAY WHAT Start: 07:00

ARE YOUR USUAL DAILY Finish: 16:30
WORKING HOURS Tea break: two fifteen minute breaks.
(INCLUDE OVERTIME): Lunch break: 30 minutes.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE REGARDS
RELEVANT:

EMPLOYEE DAILY WORK REF DESCRIPTION MINUTES (DAILY)

PATTERNS / ACTIVITIES 14 Mig welding 02:11
(WORST CASE NOISE 15 Tig welding 02:11
EXPOSURE): 13 Chop saw 01:27
9,10,11 Pillar drill 01:27
20 Canteen 01:00
27 Background noise 01:14

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be practiced.
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYEE HEARING / WORK PATTERN NOISE DATA
RECORD
DATE: 16th May 2013

NAME:

AGE:

JOB TITLE:

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Stacking, drilling, sanding, grinding.

AT WORK:

PRE-EXISTING HEARING None diagnosed; however when singing in the car there is an
LOSS (NOT MANDATORY): intermittent rattling in right ear.

ANY FAMILY HISTORY OF

HEARING LOSS (NOT
MANDATORY):

DOES YOUR JOB EXPOSE When using grinder.

YOU TO SIGNIFICANT
HAND TRANSMITTED
VIBRATION:

ON A BUSY DAY WHAT Start: 08:00

ARE YOUR USUAL DAILY Finish: 16:30
WORKING HOURS Tea break: two fifteen minute breaks.
(INCLUDE OVERTIME): Lunch break: 30 minutes.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE REGARDS Sometimes gets very noisy in the workshop.
RELEVANT:

EMPLOYEE DAILY WORK REF DESCRIPTION MINUTES (DAILY)

PATTERNS / ACTIVITIES 03 Engraver 00:02
(WORST CASE NOISE 06 De-burring machine 00:12
EXPOSURE): 13 Chop saw 00:24
12 Bench grinder 00:12
32 Hand drill 06:00
20 Canteen 01:00
17 Stereo 00:20
25 Background noise 00:20

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be practiced.
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYEE HEARING / WORK PATTERN NOISE DATA
RECORD
DATE: 16th May 2013

NAME:

AGE:

JOB TITLE:

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Drilling, welding.

AT WORK:

PRE-EXISTING HEARING No.

LOSS (NOT MANDATORY):

ANY FAMILY HISTORY OF

HEARING LOSS (NOT
MANDATORY):

DOES YOUR JOB EXPOSE When using grinder.

YOU TO SIGNIFICANT
HAND TRANSMITTED
VIBRATION:

ON A BUSY DAY WHAT Start: 07:00

ARE YOUR USUAL DAILY Finish: 16:30
WORKING HOURS Tea break: two fifteen minute breaks.
(INCLUDE OVERTIME): Lunch break: 30 minutes.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE REGARDS
RELEVANT:

EMPLOYEE DAILY WORK REF DESCRIPTION MINUTES (DAILY)

PATTERNS / ACTIVITIES 14 Mig welder 08:19
(WORST CASE NOISE 13 Chop saw 00:11
EXPOSURE): 20 Canteen 01:00

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be practiced.
 NOISE ASSESSMENT
EMPLOYEE HEARING / WORK PATTERN NOISE DATA
RECORD
DATE: 16th May 2013

NAME:

AGE:

JOB TITLE:

ACTIVITIES UNDERTAKEN Drilling, assembling etc.

AT WORK:

PRE-EXISTING HEARING
LOSS (NOT MANDATORY):

ANY FAMILY HISTORY OF No

HEARING LOSS (NOT
MANDATORY):

DOES YOUR JOB EXPOSE No

YOU TO SIGNIFICANT
HAND TRANSMITTED
VIBRATION:

ON A BUSY DAY WHAT Start: 07:00

ARE YOUR USUAL DAILY Finish: 17:30
WORKING HOURS Tea break: two fifteen minute breaks.
(INCLUDE OVERTIME): Lunch break: 30 minutes.

ANY OTHER INFORMATION

EMPLOYEE REGARDS
RELEVANT:

EMPLOYEE DAILY WORK REF DESCRIPTION MINUTES (DAILY)

PATTERNS / ACTIVITIES 01, 02 Pillar drill 02:00
(WORST CASE NOISE 32 Hand drill 04:33
EXPOSURE): 20 Canteen 01:00
25 Background noise 02:57

Where an employees record contains personal health information then principles of confidentiality should be practiced.
 APPENDIX 4

WORKER NOISE EXPOSURE REPORTS

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 APPENDIX 5

NOISE METER &

ACOUSTIC CALIBRATOR
CALIBRATION CERTIFICATE