Noise

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 have specific standards for noise exposure.  The daily action values are 80 and 85dB, the peak noise values are 135 and 137dB, and the exposure limit values of 87 dB (daily exposure) and 140 dB (peak exposure) take into account the effect of wearing hearing protection.

Health surveillance should be provided for employees who are particularly sensitive to noise above the first action level, and for all employees above the second action level.  Suitable health surveillance includes regular audiometric screening.

Employers will find detailed guidelines on risk assessment and risk management in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance book L108 'Controlling Noise at Work'.