What is a workplace noise assessment?

A workplace noise assessment is a systematic process for identifying noise sources, measuring sound levels, evaluating worker exposure durations and determining whether noise levels exceed the exposure standard of LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) or a peak of 140 dB(C). Under Australian WHS Regulations, the PCBU must manage noise risks and ensure workers are not exposed above these limits. The assessment documents each noise source, measured levels, risk ratings and the control measures in place or required.

How often should noise assessments be repeated?

Noise assessments should be repeated at least annually. More frequent assessments are needed when new equipment is introduced, existing processes change, work layouts are modified, workers report increased noise or audiometric testing reveals hearing threshold shifts. For workplaces where noise levels sit close to the 85 dB(A) exposure standard, quarterly monitoring is a prudent approach to catch any upward trend before the standard is exceeded.

What equipment do I need to conduct a noise assessment?

At minimum, you need a calibrated Type 2 (or better) integrating sound level meter capable of measuring A-weighted equivalent continuous level (LAeq) and C-weighted peak level. A field calibrator should be used to verify the instrument before and after each assessment session. For personal exposure monitoring, a noise dosimeter worn by the worker provides a more accurate picture of daily exposure across multiple noise zones. All instruments must have current calibration certificates traceable to a national standard.

What is the difference between a noise assessment and audiometric testing?

A noise assessment measures the noise in the workplace environment, identifying sources, levels and exposure durations. Audiometric testing measures the hearing ability of individual workers to detect early signs of noise-induced hearing loss. The two are complementary: the noise assessment tells you whether the environment is hazardous, while audiometric testing tells you whether workers hearing is being affected despite the controls in place. Both are recommended as part of a comprehensive hearing conservation program.

Is this noise assessment template free to download?

Yes. Download and use this noise assessment template for free. Open the HTML file in any browser and use Print then Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you want to conduct noise assessments digitally with automatic risk scoring, GPS-tagged readings, photo attachments and a searchable register of all assessments across your sites, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how it works.

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Free noise assessment template (PDF-ready). Covers noise source identification, dB readings, exposure duration, risk rating and control measures. Download free.

Jarrod Milford

Commercial Director

Updated 3 May 2026

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What is a noise assessment template?

A noise assessment template is a structured document used to identify workplace noise sources, measure sound pressure levels, evaluate worker exposure durations and determine whether noise levels exceed acceptable limits. Under Australian WHS Regulations, a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must manage risks to health and safety from noise at the workplace, including ensuring that workers are not exposed to noise above the exposure standard of LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) or a peak noise level of 140 dB(C). A noise assessment records each noise source, the measured sound level, the duration of worker exposure, the calculated daily exposure and the resulting risk rating, along with existing and recommended control measures.

Workplace noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most prevalent occupational diseases in Australia and is entirely preventable with proper assessment and control. Regular noise assessments allow organisations to identify areas and tasks where exposure is approaching or exceeding the exposure standard, target engineering and administrative controls at the highest-risk sources, verify that hearing protection programs are effective and maintain documented evidence for workers compensation claims, regulatory inspections and continuous improvement of the noise management program. Noise-induced hearing loss is irreversible and remains one of the most common occupational diseases in Australia.

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Benefits of using this noise assessment template

Hearing protection: identifies noise levels that could cause hearing damage so controls can be applied before harm occurs.
Regulatory compliance: demonstrates that noise exposure has been assessed and managed in accordance with WHS Regulations and Safe Work Australia codes of practice.
Targeted controls: assessment data pinpoints the loudest sources and longest exposures, allowing you to invest in controls where they will have the greatest impact.
PPE validation: confirms whether the hearing protection being used provides sufficient attenuation for the measured noise levels.
Baseline tracking: repeated assessments over time reveal trends, showing whether noise levels are stable, improving or worsening after changes to equipment or processes.
Worker engagement: involving workers in noise assessments increases awareness of hearing risks and encourages consistent use of hearing protection.

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When you move your assessments from paper to MapTrack, you get:

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Build conditional logic (show or hide questions based on answers).
Take pictures or attach photos. Not possible with a paper-based form.
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Edit forms later without reprinting.
Restrict permissions (who can view, complete or approve).
Build forms with AI (describe what you need and MapTrack suggests the form).
Escalate critical hazards instantly to safety managers via push notification.
Maintain an auditable safety register that satisfies WHS regulator requests.
Correlate incident trends across sites with built-in safety analytics.

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What to include in a noise assessment template

This noise assessment template covers 8 key areas:

Assessment details: date, assessor name, site or location, department, weather conditions (for outdoor assessments).
Noise source register: each noise source identified, its location, the type of noise (continuous, intermittent, impact) and the equipment or process generating it.
Sound level measurements: the measured LAeq and peak dB(C) reading at each source, the instrument used and its calibration date.
Exposure duration: the estimated or measured time each worker or group is exposed to each noise source per shift.
Risk rating: calculated risk level for each source based on the measured level and exposure duration, compared to the 85 dB(A) LAeq,8h exposure standard.
Control measures: existing controls in place (enclosures, barriers, PPE) and recommended additional controls following the hierarchy of controls.
Action plan: responsible person, due date and follow-up status for each recommended control measure.
Sign-off: assessor signature and reviewer or manager acknowledgement.

How to use this noise assessment template

Prepare the assessment details and identify all noise sources on site: Record the date, assessor name, site location and department. Walk the site or work area and list every significant noise source including machinery, power tools, vehicles, pneumatic equipment and process lines. Note the type of noise each source produces (continuous, intermittent or impact) as this affects the measurement method.
Measure sound pressure levels at each identified noise source: Using a calibrated Type 2 (or better) sound level meter, measure the A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level (LAeq) and the C-weighted peak level at each noise source. Take readings at the operator position or at the nearest point where workers are present. Record the instrument make, model and last calibration date on the form.
Determine worker exposure durations for each noise source: For each worker or work group, estimate or measure the time spent in each noise zone per shift. Where workers move between areas, record the time at each location separately. Combine the exposure durations with the measured levels to calculate the daily noise exposure (LAeq,8h) and compare against the 85 dB(A) exposure standard.
Assign a risk rating for each noise source and exposure scenario: Use the risk matrix on the assessment form to rate each noise exposure. Exposures at or above 85 dB(A) LAeq,8h are high risk. Exposures between 80 and 85 dB(A) are moderate risk and require monitoring. Below 80 dB(A) is generally low risk. Record peak noise events separately, as a single peak above 140 dB(C) exceeds the exposure standard regardless of duration.
Document existing controls and recommend additional measures: For each source rated moderate or high, record the controls already in place such as enclosures, silencers, vibration dampening, maintenance schedules, job rotation, hearing protection zones and PPE. Where the residual risk remains elevated, recommend additional controls following the hierarchy: elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative then PPE as a last resort.
Sign off the assessment, communicate findings and set a review date: The assessor signs and dates the form. A manager or WHS officer reviews and acknowledges the findings. Share the results with affected workers, update hearing protection zone signage if needed and enter recommended actions into your corrective action register. Set a review date, typically every 12 months or sooner if equipment, processes or work patterns change.

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How often should you complete this assessment?

Noise assessments should be conducted at least annually as part of your ongoing noise management program. Additional assessments are required when new machinery or equipment is introduced, when existing equipment is modified or relocated, when work processes or layouts change, after receiving noise complaints from workers, or following audiometric testing results that indicate a shift in hearing thresholds. If noise levels are close to the 85 dB(A) exposure standard, more frequent monitoring (e.g. quarterly) is recommended to detect any upward trend before the standard is exceeded.

WHS Regulations 2011, Part 4.1, Division 2, set the exposure standard at LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) and a peak level of 140 dB(C). Organisations should maintain assessment records for at least 30 years because noise-induced hearing loss can take decades to manifest and compensation claims may be lodged long after exposure.

Frequently asked questions

What is a workplace noise assessment?: A workplace noise assessment is a systematic process for identifying noise sources, measuring sound levels, evaluating worker exposure durations and determining whether noise levels exceed the exposure standard of LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) or a peak of 140 dB(C). Under Australian WHS Regulations, the PCBU must manage noise risks and ensure workers are not exposed above these limits. The assessment documents each noise source, measured levels, risk ratings and the control measures in place or required.
How often should noise assessments be repeated?: Noise assessments should be repeated at least annually. More frequent assessments are needed when new equipment is introduced, existing processes change, work layouts are modified, workers report increased noise or audiometric testing reveals hearing threshold shifts. For workplaces where noise levels sit close to the 85 dB(A) exposure standard, quarterly monitoring is a prudent approach to catch any upward trend before the standard is exceeded.
What equipment do I need to conduct a noise assessment?: At minimum, you need a calibrated Type 2 (or better) integrating sound level meter capable of measuring A-weighted equivalent continuous level (LAeq) and C-weighted peak level. A field calibrator should be used to verify the instrument before and after each assessment session. For personal exposure monitoring, a noise dosimeter worn by the worker provides a more accurate picture of daily exposure across multiple noise zones. All instruments must have current calibration certificates traceable to a national standard.
What is the difference between a noise assessment and audiometric testing?: A noise assessment measures the noise in the workplace environment, identifying sources, levels and exposure durations. Audiometric testing measures the hearing ability of individual workers to detect early signs of noise-induced hearing loss. The two are complementary: the noise assessment tells you whether the environment is hazardous, while audiometric testing tells you whether workers hearing is being affected despite the controls in place. Both are recommended as part of a comprehensive hearing conservation program.
Is this noise assessment template free to download?: Yes. Download and use this noise assessment template for free. Open the HTML file in any browser and use Print then Save as PDF. No MapTrack account is required. If you want to conduct noise assessments digitally with automatic risk scoring, GPS-tagged readings, photo attachments and a searchable register of all assessments across your sites, MapTrack can do that. Book a demo to see how it works.

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

WHS Regulations 2011 - Part 4.1 (noise exposure)
Safe Work Australia - Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work
AS/NZS 1269 - Occupational noise management

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