The Health and Safety Service has completed a full revision of the Noise at Work Policy (HS28), supported by a new Noise Guidance (HSG28) and an updated Noise Risk Assessment Form (HS F28). These resources reflect current legal duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and align with the Council’s commitment to provide clear and practical tools for managing noise risks.
Key changes from the previous version
There has been a complete restructure of the Noise Guidance. The 2026 document introduces expanded sections on action values, assessing exposure, the effects of noise, audiometry requirements, and new content on neurodivergent individuals and new or expectant parents.
The new Noise Risk Assessment Template (F28) replaces previous versions and provides a clearer layout, improved control measure prompts, and additional detail on exposure categories. The policy now provides clearer expectations and responsibilities for managers to identify areas where noise may exceed exposure action values, commission competent noise assessments, apply appropriate control measures, and ensure hearing protection is issued where needed.
Who this update is aimed at
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Directors, Heads of Service, and Managers who are required to identify noise risks in their areas of responsibility, commission competent assessments, and ensure suitable controls are in place.
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Premises Managers and Supervisors who can use the practical tools and indicators to help identify noise issues, particularly in operational environments such as workshops, transport, catering, music and entertainment, and grounds work.
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Employees and Volunteers, for those working in environments where noise may exceed exposure action values will benefit from clearer advice on reporting concerns, using hearing protection, and participating in health surveillance where required.
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Schools and early years settings as the guidance includes detail relevant to education environments, including music, events, building works, and additional considerations for neurodivergent learners.
Why staff should familiarise themselves with the revised policy
The revised policy and guidance provide improved clarity on legal duties and ensure that noise risks are managed consistently across all Council services. Understanding the new guidance helps ensure staff take timely action where noise may affect health, wellbeing, comfort, or productivity.
Managers are accountable for assessing exposure, implementing engineering and organisational controls, and ensuring the correct use of hearing protection where required.
What you need to do
- Review the revised HS28 Noise Policy and the new HSG28 Noise at Work Guidance.
- Use the updated HS F28 Noise Risk Assessment when evaluating noise risks.
- Ensure any staff involved in noisy tasks are briefed on the updated requirements and understand when health surveillance is required.
- Contact the Health and Safety Service for advice if you believe a noise assessment is required or if noise levels exceed statutory exposure action values.
