BS 4142 is the British Standard used to assess the impact of industrial and commercial noise on nearby sensitive premises. It works by comparing the rating level of a specific noise source (adjusted for acoustic character) against the prevailing background noise level at the nearest receptor. A difference of around +10 dB or more indicates a likely significant adverse impact. Around +5 dB indicates a likely adverse impact. At or below background indicates negligible impact. Most local planning authorities require a BS4142 assessment when new commercial or industrial premises are proposed near residential properties, or when fixed plant and equipment is being installed. The 2019 amendment (BS4142:2014+A1:2019) introduced important updates to methodology that all current assessments must reflect.
Noise at Work Compliance Checklist: HSE L108 Explained (UK Employers’ Guide)
How do I comply with the Noise at Work Regulations?
To comply with the Noise at Work Regulations, employers must assess noise exposure, reduce noise at source where reasonably practicable, manage remaining risk with organisational controls and hearing protection, train workers, keep records, and review assessments when conditions change.
Introduction: What “compliance” really means in practice
Noise at work compliance is often misunderstood. Many employers believe they are compliant because:
• Hearing protection is available,
• No one has complained,
• Or noise has “always been part of the job”.
From an HSE perspective, compliance is not about intent — it is about evidence, control, and prevention. Hearing damage is permanent. Once it occurs, it cannot be reversed. That is why the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 place clear, non-negotiable duties on employers, supported by detailed practical guidance in HSE L108. This blog explains exactly what HSE expects to see, in plain English, and provides a practical checklist employers can follow with confidence.
How this blog completes the 3-part series
This is Part 3 of the Noise at Work authority series:
• Part 1: Do I need a noise at work risk assessment or a noise survey?
• Part 2: Understanding workplace noise survey results (dB(A), dB(C), action values)
• Part 3 (this blog): How to comply with the Regulations using HSE L108
If you already have a noise survey or assessment, this is the article that turns results into action.
What HSE means by “compliance”
HSE compliance is based on one core principle:
Prevent hearing damage so far as reasonably practicable, and be able to demonstrate that you have done so.
This means HSE will look for:
• Evidence of assessment,
• Evidence of control,
• Evidence of training,
• Evidence of review.
Paperwork alone is not enough — but neither is informal practice without documentation.
Step-by-Step Noise at Work Compliance Checklist (HSE L108)
Step 1: Confirm whether noise exposure exceeds action values
You must first establish whether workers are exposed at or above:
• 80 dB(A) – lower exposure action value
• 85 dB(A) – upper exposure action value
• 135–140 dB(C) – peak noise thresholds
This is done through:
• A noise at work risk assessment, and
• A noise survey where exposure cannot be confidently estimated.
If you are unsure whether a survey is required, refer back to our service page for Noise at Work Surveys.
Without this step, all other compliance decisions are guesswork.
Step 2: Reduce noise at source (before relying on PPE)
HSE L108 is clear: reducing noise at source must be the first priority. This includes:
• Selecting quieter machinery,
• Modifying processes,
• Enclosing noisy equipment,
• Isolating vibration,
• Improving maintenance (worn bearings, loose panels increase noise),
• Redesigning workflows.
HSE inspectors will always ask: “What have you done to reduce the noise itself?” – relying solely on hearing protection is not acceptable if other controls are reasonably practicable.
Step 3: Use organisational controls to limit exposure
Where noise cannot be sufficiently reduced at source, employers must limit how long people are exposed. Common organisational controls include:
• Reducing time spent on noisy tasks,
• Rotating workers between tasks,
• Separating noisy activities from quiet ones,
• Scheduling noisy work when fewer people are present,
• Increasing distance between workers and noise sources.
These measures are often low-cost and highly effective when applied correctly.
Step 4: Hearing protection – selection, use, and enforcement
Hearing protection becomes a requirement once exposure reaches the upper exposure action value (85 dB(A)), where risk remains after other controls.
However, HSE is clear:
• Hearing protection must be appropriate,
• It must be worn correctly,
• And it must be worn consistently.
Even short periods without protection can significantly reduce its effectiveness. A common compliance failure is issuing hearing protection without:
• Checking suitability,
• Providing training,
• Or enforcing use.
Step 5: Establish hearing protection zones (where required)
If noise exposure remains high in certain areas or during specific tasks, hearing protection zones must be established. Good zoning practice includes:
• Clearly defined boundaries,
• Visible signage,
• Simple rules (“hearing protection must be worn beyond this point”),
• Inclusion of contractors and visitors,
• Supervision and enforcement.
Noise survey results should inform where zones are needed and why.
Step 6: Information, instruction, and training
Training is legally required from the lower exposure action value (80 dB(A)) upwards. Training should cover:
• The risks of noise exposure,
• The meaning of signage and zones,
• How to use hearing protection correctly,
• Why consistent use matters,
• What controls are in place,
• How to report issues.
Training must be:
• Understandable,
• Relevant to the workplace,
• And recorded.
Step 7: Health surveillance (where appropriate)
Where noise risks remain — particularly when hearing protection is relied upon — health surveillance (such as hearing checks) may be appropriate. This helps:
• Identify early signs of hearing damage,
• Ionfirm controls are effective,
• Demonstrate proactive management.
While not required in every case, it is commonly expected in higher-risk environments.
Step 8: Keep records and evidence
HSE expects employers to retain evidence of compliance, including:
• Noise risk assessments,
• Noise survey reports,
• Control measures implemented,
• Training records,
• Hearing protection arrangements,
• Review dates and triggers.
If it isn’t recorded, it is difficult to prove.
Step 9: Review and reassess when things change
Noise assessments must be reviewed when:
• New machinery is installed,
• Production increases,
• Layouts change,
• Work patterns change,
• Complaints or incidents occur,
• Survey results may no longer reflect reality.
Noise compliance is not a one-off exercise.
Common reasons employers fail noise compliance
Based on real enforcement cases, the most common failures include:
• No formal assessment,
• Relying solely on PPE,
• Outdated surveys,
• Unclear or unenforced hearing protection zones,
• Lack of training records,
• Inability to demonstrate exposure levels.
All of these are avoidable with proportionate professional support.
Key Takeaways
• Compliance requires assessment, control, training, and review.
• Noise must be reduced at source where practicable.
• PPE is a last line of defence, not the first.
• Hearing protection zones must be clearly managed.
• Records and reviews are essential to demonstrate compliance.
How NOVA Acoustics supports full compliance
NOVA Acoustics supports employers from assessment through to action, not just measurement. We help with:
• HSE-aligned noise surveys & practical noise control strategies,
• Hearing protection zone planning,
• Compliance-ready reporting & Support during HSE inspections,
• Follow-up assessments after changes
Check out our other resources on Noise at Work:
Noise Compliance Support Across the UK
NOVA Acoustics delivers workplace noise surveys nationwide, including:
• Manchester
• Leeds
• Newcastle
• Nottingham
• Sheffield
• Cambridge
• London & Home Counties
• Hull & East Yorkshire
• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Liverpool
FAQs – Noise at Work Compliance
Are hearing protection zones legally required?
Yes, where exposure remains high and PPE is needed to control risk.
Can we rely on ear defenders instead of reducing noise?
No. Noise must be reduced at source where reasonably practicable.
What records does HSE expect to see?
Assessments, surveys, training records, control actions, and reviews.
When should noise surveys be repeated?
After changes to equipment, layout, production, or work patterns.
What triggers enforcement action?
Failure to assess risk, exceeding limits, or lack of evidence.
Can consultants help after an HSE notice?
Yes. NOVA Acoustics regularly supports employers following inspections.
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