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Changes in the Noise at Work Regulations
Current Noise at Work Regulations |
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New European Noise at Work Regulations |
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2nd Action Level: Peak (C)
Unweighted single noise event.
Duties the same as for the 90dB(A) LEP,d 2nd Action Level. |
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2nd Action Level : Peak (C) |
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1st Action Level : Peak (C) |
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2nd Action Level: 90dB(A) LEP,d
Where the daily exposure is likely to exceed the 2nd Action
Level, taking no account of hearing protection:
Noise Hazard Zone must be clearly marked.
PPE must be worn at all times.
The noise exposure must be reduced as far as possible by
means other than the use of PPE such as Noise Control |
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Maximum Exposure Limit Value
The Noise Exposure of any employee, including the use of
hearing protection, must be below 87dB(A) LEX,8h. |
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1st Action Level: 85 dB(A) LEP,d
Where the noise exposure is likely to exceed the 1st action
level, taking no account of hearing protection:
All employees at risk must be identified. Noise warning signs
must be clearly displayed.
Noise assessment reviews when changes are made.
Noise assessments repeated at least every 2 years.
Employees informed of the risk of hearing damage.
A choice of suitable PPE made available on request.
Training and education provided. |
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2nd Action Level: 85 dB(A) LEX,8h
Workers have the right to hearing checks where the noise
assessments indicate a risk of hearing damage.
The remaining actions for the current regulations continue. |
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1st Action Level: 80dB(A) LEX,8h
The actions for the current regulations continue for the
1st Action Level. |
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General Duties & Requirements
The employer is required to reduce the risk of noise exposure
to the lowest practical level.
Records must be kept and made available for noise measurements,
audiometry results (where available) and the company policy
on noise control.
The employer must implement a "Buy Quiet" policy
for all new equipment and plant to reduce the noise exposure
of employees. |
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Weekly Noise Exposure Level
Where the noise exposure of a worker varies markedly from
day to day, a weekly average based on five 8 hour measurements
can be used to assess the risk against the Action Levels and
the Maximum Exposure Limit Value.
All duties from the current regulations remain in force. |
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Notes:
LEX,8h is the description used on the new regulations for Lep,d which
is an 8 hour Leq measurement.
The LEX,8h Action Levels are measured using dB(A). The Peak Action
Levels are measured using 'C' frequency weighting.
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