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
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.