Check Your Hearing Protection Zones — Free Compliance Checklist for UK Employers

Has a noise risk assessment identified areas at or above 85 dB(A) daily average or 137 dB(C) peak?

Hearing protection zones are required under Regulation 7 of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 when the upper exposure action values are reached or exceeded.

Are hearing protection zone boundaries clearly defined — not just 'the noisy area'?

Zone boundaries should be based on where exposure reaches the upper action values. Use measurement data or manufacturer noise maps to define the perimeter precisely.

Are mandatory hearing protection signs posted at every entry point to the zone?

Use blue mandatory signs showing ear defenders (ISO 7010 M003 or equivalent). Signs must be visible before workers enter the zone, not just inside it.

Are all signs in good condition, legible, and not obscured?

Signs covered by equipment, faded beyond readability, or blocked by stored materials do not count as effective.

Is the hearing protection provided suitable for the noise levels and type in each zone?

Protection must reduce exposure below the exposure limit value (87 dB(A)) and ideally below the upper action value. Over-protection (reducing too far) can create communication and safety risks.

Is hearing protection readily available at or near zone entry points?

Workers should not need to leave their work area or search for protection. Dispensers or storage near zone boundaries are standard practice.

Is hearing protection use enforced — not just available — within the zone?

Above the upper action values, employers must ensure workers use hearing protection. Making it available is not enough. Supervision, training, and clear expectations are needed.

Are visitors, contractors, and non-regular workers informed about zone requirements before entry?

Anyone entering a hearing protection zone needs appropriate protection and awareness — not just permanent staff.

Have workers received training on noise risks, hearing protection use, and zone rules?

Regulation 10 requires information, instruction, and training. This includes how to use hearing protection correctly, signs of hearing damage, and what the zone rules are.

Is audiometric health surveillance in place for workers regularly working in the zone?

Regulation 9 requires health surveillance when workers are regularly exposed at or above the upper action values. This means baseline and follow-up audiometry.

Are PPE issue records, training dates, and health surveillance outcomes documented?

Records of who received protection, who was trained, and what audiometry showed are the evidence trail an inspector or insurer will ask for.

Is there a scheduled review date for zone boundaries, signage, and protection adequacy?

Zone requirements should be reviewed when equipment changes, layouts change, or health surveillance results suggest current controls are not effective.