goeasy, I never said they were specifically. I am not misinformed. I know many cockpit environments are now below standard 'excessive noise levels', but if you generally need to wear the headset and it is not noise attenuating, does the volume setting take the noise level at the ear to above 80db, for example?
The ANO is not the law most intended to protect aircrew long-term health, is it? Hardly surprising then that there's nothing in it about noise attenuation. You have to look at other legislation/statutory regulations to take your cue on what to do about excessive noise in the workplace and maintenance of tools and PPE.
As for apron noise, if aircrew are not freely issued with ear defenders or very high spec ear plugs when they are outside of the aircraft/airbridges then I am surprised. 2 minutes a day at 110db would be enough to permanently damage most people's hearing so if it is fingers in ears only then it wouldn't pay to start a conversation out there near the back end, would it?