1.3 Risk Assessment Requirements (Regulation 5)
Primary Legislation
- Observation of specific working practices
- Reference to relevant information on probable noise levels for equipment used
- If necessary, measurement of noise levels
- Level, type, and duration of exposure, including peak sound pressure
- Effects on employees or groups at particular risk (e.g., young workers, pregnant workers, those with existing hearing loss)
What this section covers: The legal requirements for conducting, documenting, and reviewing noise risk assessments (The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, Regulation 5).
When required: A suitable and sufficient risk assessment must be made where work is liable to expose any employee to noise at or above the Lower Exposure Action Value (80 dB(A) or 135 dB(C) peak).
Observation of specific working practices
Reference to relevant information on probable noise levels for equipment used
If necessary, measurement of noise levels
Level, type, and duration of exposure, including peak sound pressure
Effects on employees or groups at particular risk (e.g., young workers, pregnant workers, those with existing hearing loss)
Interaction between noise and ototoxic substances or vibration
Indirect effects from interaction between noise and audible warning signals
Information from equipment manufacturers
Availability of alternative quieter equipment
Extension of exposure beyond normal working hours (including in rest facilities)
Information from health surveillance
Availability of personal hearing protectors with adequate attenuation characteristics
Significant findings of the risk assessment as soon as practicable
Measures taken and intended to meet requirements of Regulations 6, 7, and 10
There is reason to suspect it is no longer valid
There has been a significant change in the work
Consultation (Regulation 5(5)): Employees or their representatives must be consulted on the risk assessment.
Why it matters for fit testing: Regulation 5(3)(i) explicitly requires consideration of "the availability of personal hearing protectors with adequate attenuation characteristics." Fit testing is the only method that verifies adequacy for the individual. The risk assessment must identify the measures needed to meet regulatory requirements—if hearing protection is relied upon, fit testing should be identified as a measure to verify its adequacy. Related: [#hse-l108](#hse-l108), [#evidence-fittesting-effectiveness](#evidence-fittesting-effectiveness).