Workplace noise exposure estimator
The HSE workplace noise exposure estimator includes a weekly exposure calculator as well as the daily exposure calculator.
Separate tabs are included in the online tool to help simplify the process of calculating levels. Advice on what to do if certain noise action values are exceeded is also provided. The calculator will also estimate the performance of hearing protection.
Weekly noise exposure estimation is helpful where an operative's noise exposure varies markedly from day to day. Once you know the noise levels and duration of exposure, the ready reckoners can be completed by hand. You can then compare the results with the exposure action and limit values in the regulations as part of a noise risk assessment.
Noise ready reckoner and calculators are available from the HSE website.
This article originally appeared on the ECA website under the headline, 'HSE noise exposure guidelines updated'. It was published on 9 April 2021.
--ECA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Articles by the Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA).
- Control of noise at work regulations 2005.
- Decibel dB.
- Health and Safety Executive HSE.
- Noise level.
- Occupational health risk management in construction. A guide to the key issues of occupational health provision.
- Personal protective equipment PPE.
- Reporting accidents and injuries on construction sites RIDDOR.
[edit] External resources
Featured articles and news
Design and construction industry podcasts
Professional development, practice, the pandemic, platforms and podcasts. Have we missed anything?
C20 Society; Buildings at Risk List 2025
10 more buildings published with updates on the past decade of buildings featured.
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation, closing 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
From project managers to rising stars, sustainability pioneers and more.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.