Noise Risk Assessment: Acoustical and Mechanical Engineering Experts
How We Help You Solve Your Workplace Noise Problems
At Environmentally Sound, we specialize in providing comprehensive noise risk assessments and tailored noise solutions for workplaces of all sizes. Whether you're dealing with persistent machinery noise, employee complaints, or need to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, we're your trusted partner.
We bring a dual expertise to the table: as mechanical engineering consultants and acoustical experts, we offer a holistic approach to managing noise in the workplace. From HSE-compliant noise risk assessments to the design and installation of noise mitigation measures, we handle everything—from start to finish. There's no need to hire multiple contractors—let us take care of the entire process.
Why Is Noise at Work a Concern?
Excessive noise at work isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a health hazard that can lead to long-term hearing damage, stress, and decreased productivity. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (enforced by the Health and Safety Executive, or HSE) set strict exposure limits for workplace noise. Since April 2006, it’s been mandatory for employers to assess and manage noise risks to protect employees' health and safety.
The Health Risks of Excessive Workplace Noise
Long-term exposure to high noise levels can result in:
Hearing loss or damage
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Increased stress and anxiety
Decreased productivity due to fatigue and lack of focus
Is a Noise Risk Assessment Mandatory?
Yes! If there’s any noise in your workplace, you need a noise risk assessment. It’s not just a one-time thing—assessments should be carried out at least every two years.
Additionally, if new noise sources are introduced to your facility (like new machines or equipment), a new risk assessment is required to ensure your employees are not at risk.
Legal Requirements for Noise Risk Assessments
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to:
Assess and manage noise risks if noise levels exceed certain thresholds.
Provide hearing protection if noise levels are excessive.
Implement measures to reduce noise exposure.
Who Is Responsible for Managing Noise in the Workplace?
As the employer, you are responsible for ensuring that your employees are not exposed to excessive noise. Failing to manage noise risks can result in serious consequences, including legal action, compensation claims, and harm to your workers' health.
But don’t worry—that’s where we come in. As mechanical engineering consultants and acoustic specialists, we’ll help you navigate the regulations and ensure your workplace stays compliant and safe.
Potential Legal Consequences for Non-Compliance
If you fail to comply with noise regulations, you could face:
Fines for non-compliance with HSE regulations
Compensation claims from affected employees
Damage to company reputation due to safety violations
What Are the Noise Exposure Limits?
To stay within the law, it’s critical to understand the noise exposure limits. These limits are broken down into action values and exposure limits, as set by the HSE.
What is dBA?
dBA stands for decibels adjusted for human hearing - A weighting. It measures sound intensity in a way that reflects how humans perceive different frequencies of sound.
What’s Involved in a Workplace Noise Assessment?
Our noise risk assessments are thorough and detail-oriented. Here’s what we do to ensure a complete and accurate evaluation:
Identify All Noise Sources: We locate and measure every source of noise in your workplace, from machinery to environmental noise.
Measure Noise Levels: We use industry-standard tools to measure noise levels at various locations and workstations throughout your facility.
Evaluate Exposure: We assess the duration and intensity of noise exposure to ensure that employees are not at risk.
Assess Employee Proximity: We analyze how close workers are to loud equipment and areas, identifying any potential risks.
Tools Used in Noise Risk Assessments
We use a variety of high-quality tools to measure noise levels accurately, including:
Sound level meters for general noise level measurements
Octave band analysers for detailed frequency analysis
Personal dosimeters to measure individual worker exposure
What’s Included in the Noise Risk Assessment Report?
Once the assessment is complete, you’ll receive a detailed, easy-to-understand report that includes:
Qualified Person(s) Conducting the Assessment: We list the names of our certified experts.
Time & Date of the Assessment: Clear timestamps to know exactly when the measurements were taken.
Facility Layout: A visual representation of your facility, including workstations and noise sources.
Noise Measurements: Precise noise levels, including 1/3 octave measurements for a comprehensive view.
Compliance Status: Areas where noise levels exceed the legal limits, along with recommendations for corrective action.
Compliance Status: Areas where noise levels exceed the legal limits, along with recommendations for corrective action.
Exposure Calculations: Daily and weekly exposure levels for each workstation.
Mitigation Recommendations: Actionable advice on how to reduce noise exposure and improve the work environment.
Benefits of a Comprehensive Noise Risk Assessment Report
A well-detailed report provides:
Clear understanding of noise risks in your workplace
Guidance on corrective actions to stay compliant
A roadmap for improving workplace safety and productivity
What If Your Noise Levels Exceed the Legal Limits?
If your noise levels exceed the legal limits, don’t panic. As specialists in acoustics, mechanical engineering, and vibration control, we offer tailored solutions to eliminate the risk of excessive noise.
From soundproofing and acoustic treatments to machine modifications, we have the expertise to help you mitigate noise effectively and efficiently—without disrupting your daily operations.
Immediate Actions When Noise Exceeds Legal Limits
If your noise levels exceed legal limits, we recommend:
Implementing temporary hearing protection while solutions are being developed
Conducting a secondary assessment to ensure compliance after changes
Exploring permanent noise control options such as acoustic panels or machine modifications
How Much Does a Noise Risk Assessment Cost?
We understand that cost is a concern for most businesses. The price of a noise assessment varies depending on factors like the size of your facility and the complexity of the noise sources. But don’t worry, we’ll discuss everything upfront and give you a customized quote that fits your specific needs.
We believe in transparency, and you’ll never be caught off guard by hidden fees.
Factors That Affect Cost
Size of your facility and layout
Number of noise sources (machinery, tools, etc.)
Complexity of the noise environment
Type of report and follow-up services required
Get Started Today!
Ready to take control of workplace noise and ensure the safety of your team? Whether you're looking for a compliance check, need to address noise complaints, or want a long-term strategy to reduce exposure, we’re here to help.
Contact us today for a free consultation and a personalized noise risk assessment proposal. We’ll guide you every step of the way, ensuring your workplace is quieter, safer, and compliant with all regulations.
We aim to respond within 24 hours to any inquiries. Let’s make your workplace a safer, quieter place to work.
Why Choose Us?
Expertise: With years of experience in noise management, acoustics, and safety regulations, we know exactly how to solve your noise problems.
Comprehensive Service: From assessment to mitigation, we offer end-to-end solutions without needing to involve multiple vendors.
Compliance: We ensure your business stays compliant with the latest HSE regulations, protecting you from potential fines or legal issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a noise risk assessment?
A noise risk assessment is a thorough evaluation of the noise levels in your workplace. It helps identify any sources of excessive noise and assesses how it affects the health and safety of your employees. Based on the findings, we recommend steps to reduce noise exposure and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
How often should a noise risk assessment be conducted?
By law, a noise risk assessment must be carried out when there’s any noise in the workplace. After the initial assessment, it's recommended to update the assessment at least every two years. If new machinery or equipment is introduced, or if noise levels change, you may need an updated assessment sooner.
Who is responsible for managing workplace noise?
It is the employer's responsibility to ensure employees are not exposed to excessive noise. This includes conducting regular noise assessments, implementing mitigation measures, and ensuring compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
What are the health risks of excessive noise at work?
Long-term exposure to excessive noise can cause hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and even stress-related issues like high blood pressure. In addition, noisy work environments can decrease employee productivity and overall well-being. Managing noise levels helps protect your employees' health and keeps your business running smoothly.
How do I know if my workplace noise is excessive?
If your employees have to raise their voices to be heard, or if they experience ringing in their ears after their shift, it's a sign that noise levels might be above safe limits. We can conduct a full noise assessment to measure the exact levels and determine if corrective action is needed.
How can you reduce noise in the workplace?
There are many effective noise reduction strategies, including:
Soundproofing walls and ceilings
Installing acoustic barriers around noisy machinery
Using vibration-damping materials to reduce mechanical noise
Isolating noisy equipment from workstations
Providing employees with hearing protection where necessary
We’ll recommend the best noise control measures based on your specific situation.
What should I do if my workplace noise exceeds legal limits?
If your noise levels exceed the legal limits, it’s essential to take immediate action to reduce exposure. We can help identify the most effective noise mitigation solutions and implement them as quickly as possible. This may include upgrading equipment, modifying processes, or adding soundproofing and noise-dampening solutions.
How much does a noise risk assessment cost?
The cost of a noise assessment varies depending on factors such as the size of your facility, the number of noise sources, and the complexity of the workspace. We provide tailored quotes after an initial consultation to ensure you get a solution that fits your budget and requirements.
Can you help with noise mitigation if we already have an assessment?
Absolutely! If you’ve already had an assessment and need help with the next steps, we can assist with noise mitigation and engineering solutions to reduce noise exposure. Whether it’s machine noise control, acoustical treatments, or equipment upgrades, we have the expertise to address your needs.
Is a noise risk assessment only for manufacturing or industrial workplaces?
No! While noise assessments are critical in industrial settings, any workplace with potential noise exposure can benefit from an assessment. Offices, construction sites, warehouses, and even healthcare environments may have noise risks that need to be managed to protect employees' hearing and overall well-being.
How long does a noise risk assessment take?
The length of a noise risk assessment depends on the size and complexity of your workplace. Small offices may take just a few hours, while larger industrial facilities could take a full day or more. We’ll always give you a clear timeline upfront so you know what to expect.
Do you offer any ongoing support after the noise assessment?
Yes! After your workplace noise assessment, we don’t just walk away. We offer ongoing support, whether it's helping you implement noise mitigation measures, conducting follow-up assessments, or advising on how to maintain a safe and compliant environment. We’re here to ensure your workplace remains safe and quiet in the long term.
Noise Risk Assessment Examples:
Case Study: Noise Assessment at First Packaging
Overview
First Packaging Services Limited conducted a noise assessment to ensure employee safety and compliance with the Noise at Work Regulations 2005. A chartered acoustician identified noise sources and measured exposure levels across key areas of the facility.
Findings
Some areas exceeded noise exposure limits, requiring hearing protection, while other quieter zones advised ear protection but were not mandatory. Noise levels were cyclical, linked to machine operations, and varied with distance from the source.
Recommendations
Key recommendations included establishing ear protection zones, reducing noise to comply with exposure limits, and ongoing noise monitoring.
Conclusion
The noise assessment identified areas for improvement, ensuring a safer work environment through effective noise control measures and compliance with safety regulations.
Case Study: Noise Assessment at Leighton Packaging Limited
Overview
Leighton Packaging Limited conducted a noise assessment to ensure compliance with the Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and protect employee hearing. A chartered acoustician identified noise sources across key work areas.
Key Findings
Noise levels were measured using a Rion NL-53 meter, with LAeq and 1/3 octave data revealing areas exceeding noise exposure limits, requiring hearing protection. The report also provided guidance on calculating weekly noise exposure and recommended noise mitigation strategies.
Recommendations
The report advised regular noise monitoring, equipment maintenance, and noise-reducing solutions to ensure compliance and protect workers.
Conclusion
By implementing the assessment’s recommendations, Leighton Packaging Limited can improve worker safety and meet regulatory standards.
Another example of a noise risk assessment: Noise Assessment for Wokingham Borough Council Landscaping Department
Overview
Wokingham Borough Council commissioned a noise assessment of landscaping equipment to measure actual noise levels and assess employee exposure.
Methodology
Noise levels were recorded using a calibrated sound level meter at the operator's ear and compared with published noise values in equipment manuals.
Findings
The assessment referenced standards like IEC 60745-2-1 and ISO 22868. The report compared sound power and sound pressure levels to identify discrepancies.
Recommendations
Best practices were recommended to safeguard employee hearing and ensure compliance with noise exposure standards.
Conclusion
The findings provide Wokingham Borough Council with actionable steps to reduce noise risks and protect employees' hearing.
Case Study: Noise and Vibration Assessment at Wyman Gordon Forgings
Overview
Wyman Gordon Forgings commissioned an assessment of noise and vibration exposure around their Schuler Pressen DG60 forging hammer to evaluate risks to employees and nearby buildings.
Noise Findings
Noise levels at the forging hammer reached up to 135dBA, far exceeding the HSE threshold of 85dBA for hearing protection. Mitigation, such as noise screening, is recommended if ear protection alone isn't sufficient.
Vibration Findings
Vibration levels around the hammer and platforms were well below the HSE action value, with no need for mitigation.
Building Vibration
Vibration levels in nearby residential buildings were within acceptable limits as per BS5228-2 guidelines.
Conclusion
While noise exposure requires mitigation, vibration levels are within safe limits, ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations relating to noise risk assessments.
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