Purpose and Scope
This procedure sets out how [Organisation Name] identifies, assesses, and controls workplace noise exposure. It covers noise-generating activities including machinery, powered tools, extraction and plant equipment, amplified sound, and processing operations. It applies to all employees, temporary staff, and contractors working in designated high-noise areas.
Working through related paperwork at the same time? See also our Stress & Mental Health at Work Template, NY Retail Worker Safety Act Policy Template and US PPE Policy & Hazard Assessment Template.
Procedure Triggers
Initiate or review this procedure when:
- Visual, operational, or screening indicators highlight an unassessed noise risk.
- Introducing new machinery, tools, processes, or layout changes that move staff closer to noise sources.
- Scheduled review dates arrive, or when production volumes, shift lengths, or equipment conditions change.
- Workers report ear ringing, muffled post-shift hearing, or difficulty conversing at normal volume in work areas.
Roles and Responsibilities
- [Noise Assessment Owner / Role]: Identifies areas for assessment, arranges noise measurements, updates the action plan, and manages this procedure.
- Managers: Enforce hearing protection zones, maintain stock and condition of protective equipment, and brief workers before they enter noisy areas.
- Workers: Wear assigned hearing protection correctly, report damaged gear and hearing symptoms, and leave noise controls intact.
- [Competent Person / External Specialist]: Takes formal noise measurements when quantitative exposure data is required.
Initial Assessment Preparation
Before starting a formal noise assessment:
- Walk the site to spot noisy areas, equipment, tools, and tasks. Log shift exposure times in [Location/System].
- Screen areas using basic indicators: needing to raise your voice to speak at two metres, post-shift hearing symptoms, or long periods using power tools.
- Gather manufacturer noise data for all tools and equipment.
- Review screening results to decide if a competent person needs to take formal measurements.
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Noise Assessment Procedure
- For each task or area, record the noise source, exposed staff, shift exposure duration, and distance from the source.
- Estimate or measure exposure levels using manufacturer data, official guidance, or site measurements.
- Compare exposure levels against statutory action and limit values to establish legal duties.
- Target noise control at the source first. Eliminate processes, adopt quieter methods, or buy low-noise equipment.
- Apply engineering and layout controls: fitting silencers, damping, acoustic enclosures, structural isolation, and regular preventive maintenance.
- Apply organisational controls: rotate jobs, schedule noisy work outside busy shifts, and provide quiet rest areas.
- Select hearing protection for any remaining risk. Check for proper acoustic attenuation, comfort, and compatibility with other PPE.
- Build an action plan with named owners and target dates. Brief affected workers and set the next review date.
Hearing Protection and Designated Zones
- Mark Hearing Protection Zones with standard signage at [Location(s)]. Wearing hearing protection in these zones is mandatory, no matter how brief the stay.
- Provide suitable hearing protection (such as earmuffs and disposable earplugs) free of charge at [Location(s)].
- Train workers to fit, adjust, and maintain their issued hearing protection.
- Inspect hearing protection regularly. Replace damaged or worn gear immediately.
Health Surveillance
- Provide health surveillance (hearing checks) via [Healthcare Provider / Service] for workers identified as at risk.
- Run baseline checks when someone starts employment or moves into a noisy role, then follow the provider’s check schedule.
- Keep medical data confidential. [Organisation Name] receives fitness-for-work statements, not clinical notes.
- If checks indicate potential hearing damage, refer the worker for specialist evaluation and immediately re-assess workplace noise controls and exposure levels.
Records and Review
- Store noise assessments, measurement reports, action plans, training logs, hearing protection records, and health surveillance results in [Location/System].
- Retain all records for [Retention Period] to meet statutory rules.
- Review this procedure every [Frequency], whenever machinery or site layouts change, or if health surveillance reveals potential exposure problems.
Document Owner: [Role] Next Review Date: [Date]
FAQs on a noise at work procedure
What is a noise at work procedure?
A noise at work procedure sets out how your organisation identifies, assesses, and controls workplace noise exposure. It covers noise-generating activities including machinery, powered tools, extraction and plant equipment, amplified sound, and processing operations.
Having it written down means the same rules apply to everyone, so managers are not making judgement calls case by case under pressure.
What does a noise at work procedure include?
This template covers procedure triggers, initial assessment preparation, noise assessment procedure and hearing protection and designated zones.
Every section is written to be filled in. The bracketed placeholders mark the decisions that are yours to make, such as timescales, approval owners and retention periods.
How to implement a noise at work procedure with Whale
Copy this template into Whale and work through the bracketed placeholders so it reflects how your organisation actually operates.
Assign it to the teams it applies to so it sits where people work rather than in a shared drive, and set a review date so it gets revisited on schedule instead of quietly going out of date.
Use our templates to fast-track your documentation
Customize this template and 100s of others for free in Whale, the fastest way to get your team aligned.