Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005

    Stop guessing whether you're above the Action Values. Measure. Map. Mitigate.

    Workplace noise assessments combining personal dosimetry, area sound-level measurements, octave-band analysis and a noise map — benchmarked against the Lower / Upper Exposure Action Values and Limit Value.

    • UK-wide since 2013
    • Independent assessments
    • ISO 9001 accredited
    • Practical control advice

    What this means for you

    Evidence you can act on and defend.

    • Measured exposure evidence

      Data suitable for HSE, insurers and audits.

    • Independent assessment

      Occupational hygiene review of real exposure risk.

    • Practical control recommendations

      Prioritised actions based on risk and operational practicality.

    • Compliance support

      Evidence to support COSHH and internal governance.

    Speak with a workplace noise specialist

    0800 433 7914

    sales@sysco-env.co.uk

    Mon–Fri · 08:00–18:00 · Independent advice · Fixed-price scope

    Typical response: same working day

    Minimal operational disruption
    Sampling during normal activities
    Clear fixed scope before attendance
    Action-focused reporting

    What happens next

    Most noise surveys complete in a single shift.

    We deploy dosimetry on representative workers, walk the plant with a Class 1 sound-level meter, and return a noise map and a prioritised action plan.

    No unnecessary disruption. No generic paperwork. No unnecessary complexity.

    • Whether exposure is controlled

      A clear yes or no, backed by measurement.

    • Where the highest risks are

      Locations, tasks and roles ranked by exposure.

    • What actions matter most

      A prioritised plan you can budget and schedule.

    Accredited
    ISO 9001 Registered Company
    Members of
    British Occupational Hygiene Society (Affiliate Member)ConstructionlineCHAS Accredited ContractorSafeContractor Approved
    Testing Competency
    AIHA Proficiency Analytical Testing Programs

    What you get

    Four answers. One clear plan.

    You need to know what your workforce is exposed to, whether your controls are effective, what actions matter most, and how to demonstrate control confidently.

    That is exactly what we deliver.

    01

    Quantify exposure

    Personal dosimetry on representative workers across roles and shifts.

    02

    Map the noise

    Area Leq and Cpeak across the workplace with a colour-coded noise map.

    03

    Benchmark legally

    Compare to the Lower (80) / Upper (85) Exposure Action Values and 87 dB Limit Value.

    04

    Hierarchy of control

    Engineering, isolation, attenuation and PPE selection — prioritised actions.

    Typical environments·Manufacturing·Construction·Quarrying·Foundries·Print·Food production·Distribution

    Why clients call

    If any of this sounds familiar, you're in the right place.

    1. 01

      An auditor is asking

      HSE, your insurer or a client wants evidence — not assurances

      We provide measured workplace noise data and a clear technical report that resolves the issue quickly.

    2. 02

      Your team is worried

      Operatives are reporting concerns or symptoms

      We attend site, quantify workforce exposure and provide clear evidence of current risk levels.

    3. 03

      You suspect a problem

      You know there's a risk and you want measured data before it becomes a crisis

      We quantify exposure, assess it against current limits and provide a prioritised corrective action plan.

    What we answer for you

    Three questions, settled.

    Where your people are exposed
    We map the tasks, areas and shifts where workplace noise matters, then sample what your team actually breathes — not a generic site average.
    Whether your controls are working
    An independent review of your LEV, ventilation, PPE and work practices — what is effective and what requires improvement.
    What you need to fix first
    A prioritised, costed action list — the smallest set of changes that gets you compliant and measurably safer.

    How we work with you

    From your first call to your action plan.

    1. 1

      We listen first — your site, your concerns, your deadline.

    2. 2

      We walk the workplace with your team to see exposure as it actually happens.

    3. 3

      We sample on the people most at risk, using validated occupational hygiene methods for workplace noise.

    4. 4

      We assess your existing controls honestly — what's working, what isn't.

    5. 5

      You receive a clear technical report suitable for operational, compliance and regulatory readers.

    6. 6

      We hand you a prioritised action plan you can budget, schedule and defend.

    Typical survey outputs

    What you receive at the end of the engagement.

    • Personal dosimetry results
    • Area Leq + Cpeak readings
    • Octave-band spectra
    • Colour-coded noise map
    • HPD selection recommendation
    • LEAV/UEAV/ELV benchmarking
    • Hierarchy-of-control actions
    • Defensible CNAWR report

    Client testimony

    The noise map and HPD selection from Sysco let us close out a long-standing audit finding in one go.

    Operations director

    UK food manufacturer

    Typical environments we assess

    Wherever workplace noise risk affects your people.

    • Manufacturing plants
    • Engineering workshops
    • Construction sites
    • Distribution centres
    • Logistics yards
    • Maintenance bays

    Background

    Workplace noise, in detail.

    What CNAWR requires

    The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess and reduce risks from noise. The Lower Exposure Action Value (LEAV) of 80 dB(A) (8-h LEP,d) triggers training, information and PPE provision; the Upper Action Value (UEAV) of 85 dB(A) triggers mandatory engineering reduction and a hearing conservation programme; the Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 87 dB(A) (with PPE) must not be exceeded. Equivalent peak limits apply for impulsive noise.

    How we measure

    Personal noise dosimetry on representative workers across full shifts, area sound-level measurements with octave-band analysis for HPD selection, and a noise map of the workplace using calibrated Class 1 instrumentation to BS EN 61672.

    Practical controls

    Engineering reduction at source (silencers, damping, low-noise components), isolation (enclosures, separation), administrative controls (rotation, time-limited tasks) and as a last line, suitable hearing protection selected on octave-band data with face-fit-tested earplugs where required.

    Related services

    Often assessed alongside workplace noise.

    Common questions

    Workplace Noise Assessments — FAQs.

    Quick answers to the questions we hear most from operations, HSE and procurement teams.

    What are the Action Values?
    Lower 80 dB, Upper 85 dB (8-h LEP,d daily exposure). Limit Value 87 dB with PPE. Equivalent peak values apply.
    How do you select hearing protection?
    Octave-band area data is matched to attenuation curves of candidate HPD using HML or octave-band methods — never the SNR alone.
    How long does an assessment take?
    Typically one shift on a single-site operation; multi-site or multi-shift requires additional visits.
    Do you provide a noise map?
    Yes — colour-coded plant overlay showing zones above LEAV / UEAV / ELV.
    Health surveillance?
    We provide exposure data suitable for an occupational health audiometry programme.
    Where in the UK?
    Nationwide UK coverage.

    Speak with a workplace noise specialist

    Tell us your operation. We'll quote a fixed-price visit.

    Tell us

    • site type and shift pattern,
    • rough headcount in noisy areas,
    • current HPD provision,
    • and your reporting deadline.

    We will provide

    • a clear scope,
    • fixed quotation,
    • proposed attendance strategy,
    • and expected reporting timeframe.

    Send us a brief

    Outline the sites, tasks and timelines of concern — we'll reply with a clear scope and fixed quotation.

    Response within one working day
    UK-wide site coverage
    Fixed-price scope, no obligation
    Mon–Fri · 08:00–18:00