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
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.