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.
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