Noise: The Hidden Construction Hazard

Noise-induced hearing loss is permanent and irreversible. Construction workers are among the most affected occupational groups—years of exposure to power tools, plant, and general site noise take their toll. Unlike a fall or cut, hearing damage is gradual and often unnoticed until it's severe.

The good news: noise risk is predictable and controllable. With proper assessment and controls, you can protect your workers' hearing while still getting the job done.

Legal Requirements

Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

These regulations set exposure limit values and action values:

Note: These are daily averages. Short periods of high noise can still cause damage.

Typical Noise Levels in Construction

If you need to shout to be heard at arm's length, noise is likely above 85 dB(A).

Conducting a Noise Assessment

Step 1: Identify Noise Hazards

• List all activities and equipment that generate noise
• Identify who is exposed and for how long
• Consider both operators and bystanders

Step 2: Estimate Exposure

You can often estimate exposure without detailed measurements:

• Use manufacturer's noise data for equipment
• Use published data for common activities
• Consider duration of exposure
• HSE's noise exposure calculator helps with the maths

Step 3: Measure If Necessary

Detailed measurements are needed when:

• Estimates are uncertain
• Exposure is near action values
• You need to design specific controls

Measurements should be done by a competent person using calibrated equipment.

Step 4: Identify Controls

Follow the hierarchy:

1. Eliminate - can you remove the noise source?
2. Substitute - can you use quieter equipment?
3. Engineer - can you enclose or isolate the source?
4. Administrative - can you limit exposure time?
5. PPE - hearing protection as last resort

Practical Control Measures

Equipment Selection

• Specify low-noise equipment when purchasing/hiring
• Electric vs petrol (usually quieter)
• Diamond blades vs abrasive (quieter cutting)
• Silenced compressors
• Maintain equipment properly (worn tools are noisier)

Work Methods

• Pre-cut materials away from main work areas
• Locate noisy plant away from workers
• Screen noisy operations
• Limit time in noisy areas
• Schedule noisy work when fewer people present

Hearing Protection Zones

Where exposure exceeds upper action value:

• Mark zones clearly with signage
• Hearing protection mandatory within zones
• Limit access to essential workers only
• Enforce use of protection

Hearing Protection Selection

Choose protection that:

• Provides adequate reduction (check SNR ratings)
• Doesn't over-protect (reduces situational awareness)
• Is compatible with other PPE
• Workers will actually wear

Health Surveillance

If workers are regularly exposed above upper action values, health surveillance (audiometry) is required:

• Baseline hearing test when starting exposed work
• Regular follow-up tests (typically annually)
• Comparison to detect early signs of damage
• Review controls if damage detected

Noise and the Neighbours

Construction noise also affects neighbours and the public:

• Section 60/61 notices under Control of Pollution Act
• Local authority restrictions on hours and methods
• BS 5228 guidance on noise control
• May require noise monitoring at site boundary
• Can be contractual requirements

Include Noise in Your RAMS

When creating RAMS for noisy activities, include:

• Expected noise levels
• Hearing protection requirements
• Exposure limitations
• Hearing protection zones if applicable
• Controls to protect others nearby

DocGen's AI generator identifies noise hazards based on your work description and includes appropriate controls in your RAMS.