Noise At Work 

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations come into force on 6^th April 2006.  These update the Noise at Work Regulations 1989.  Significant changes have been made which will affect many work places; as highlighted below.

Existing regulations

dB

New Requirements

2^nd Action Level: peak
The maximum sound level that an employee can be exposed to as a single event

140

Exposure Limit Value : Peak

137

2^nd Action Level: Peak

135

1^st Action Level: peak

2^nd Action Level
When daily exposure exceeds 2nd Action level without ear protection:
*mark as Noise Hazard Zone
*PPE must be worn at all times
*reduce exposure using other than PPE

90

87

Exposure limit Value
The maximum noise dose level an employee can have including the use of hearing protection

1^st Action Level

When daily exposure exceeds 1st Action level without ear protection:
*Identify all employees
*put up signs

*Review when changes are made
*bi annual re assessment
*Inform staff of risks
*Provide choice of PPE on request – recommend use
*provide training/education

85

2^nd action Level
*Workers have a right to health surveillance (audiometric testing) where assessment indicates a risk to health
* mark as Noise Hazard Zone
*PPE must be worn at all times
*reduce exposure using other than PPE

80

1^st Action Level

When daily exposure exceeds 1st Action level without ear protection:
*Identify all employees
*put up signs

*Review when changes made
*bi annual re assessment
*Inform staff of risks
*Provide choice of PPE on request – recommend use
*provide training/education