The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) was implemented in the UK on the 6^th April 2006. The scope of the regulations is wider than those contained within its predecessor (Noise at Work Regulations, 1989). One of the main alterations is that the lower threshold for noise assessments has been reduced from 85 dB(A) to 80 dB(A). This has a major impact on number of employees in the workplace requiring assessment. The Health and Safety Executive estimates that there are 600,000 employees exposed to noise levels of at least 85 dB(A) but approximately 1.6 million employees within the 80 – 85 dB(A) range.

 

The new Control of Noise at Work Regulations action levels are as follows:

Lower Exposure Action Value (LEAV):

80 dB(A)LEP,d         Lpeak of 135 dB(C)

Upper Exposure Action Value (UEAV):

85 dB(A) LEP,d           Lpeak of 137 dB(C)

Exposure Limit Value (ELV):

 *87 dB(A) LEP,d      *Lpeak of 140 dB(C)

*This is the maximum permitted noise level at the ear taking into account the use of hearing protection.

The requirements of the regulations place greater emphasis on reducing noise levels at source, where practicable. IEC personnel are all corporate members of the Institute of Acoustics and have a minimum of 10 years experience in dealing with workplace noise control.

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations (2005) can be viewed by clicking on the Hearing Protection sign to the left.

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• Comprehensive Noise Assessments
• Experienced Noise Consultants
• Static & Dosemeter Measurements
• Other Occupational Monitoring Services (HAV, WBV, LEV, etc.)