As promised I've copied the relevant info from my work's health and saftey intranet site
The starting point for considering compliance with the Noise at Work Regulations is where potential exposure to sound levels at or above 85 dB(A)(known as the first action level) or to peak action level or above, is suspected. As a general rule of thumb in an environment with a noise level of 85dB(A), normal conversation is difficult at 2 metres i.e. voices need to be significantly raised. All reasonably practicable measures must be taken to prevent exposure to noise levels between the first action level and the second [90dB(A)]. The use of hearing protection must be considered as a last resort.
Limiting headphones and earpieces should be limited to 93dB(A) unless otherwise stipulated by a risk assessment which has been carried out by acompetent person. The exposure level is based on an 8hour Time Weighted Average.
The Noise at Work Regulations (1989)
Action levels are set as follows:
* first action level - a personal daily exposure equivalent to 8 hrs.
at 85 dB(A). Usually expressed LEP,d 85 dB(A)
* second action level - a personal daily exposure equivalent to 8 hrs.
at 90 dB(A). Usually expressed LEP,d 90 dB(A)
* Peak Action level - a peak sound pressure of 200 pascals (140 dB re
20m Pa)
Terms and conventions used:
Leq is defined as that steady level of sound which would equate to the same
varying level averaged over a given time period.
LEP,d is defined as that steady level of sound which would equate to the
same varying level over an eight hour day. (LEP,d is therefore an Leq quoted
for an eight hour period.)
Leq expresses average sound level during a particular sample period. If the
sample period is carefully chosen to be typical of the noise conditions
present the Leq figure can be extrapolated to give a figure for LEP,d.
When quoting Leq it is important to qualify the figure by stating the time period to which it related.
Some early documents refer to dB(A)Leq(8-hour), but the equivalent simpler term LEP,d is now usually used.
The terms Leq(sample) and Leq(Event) may also be seen, the latter being the value of Leq measured from the start of the first act of a performance to the end of the last act.
Further explanation of terms and concepts are contained in HSE Noise Guides
1-8 and in the Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Pop Concerts and Similar Events (see appendix IV, References).
Within the current document the words "average sound level" are used. This
is intended to denote a sample Leq where the period of sampling is chosen by the person carrying out the measurement to be likely to result in a truly representative LEP,d when extrapolated.
Shall and must denote an absolute legal duty.
So far as is practicable implies technically possible without regard to cost.
So far as is reasonably practicable implies weighing the magnitude of a risk against the measures required in terms of time, effort and money to offset the risk.
Exposed means exposed whilst at work.
Exposure measurements take no account of the effect of any personal ear protection used.
Competent person. See Appendix II.
Adequate noise assessment Regulation 4 of the Noise at Work Regulations requires a noise assessment to be undertaken where employees are likely to be exposed to the first action level or peak action levels.
The assessment should be adequate for the purposes of identifying which employees are
exposed and for providing them with appropriate information and to facilitate compliance with regard to the appropriate controls.
Analysis of the main requirements of the Noise at Work Regulations (1989)
Employers' Duties Below 85dB(A) At or above 85dB(A) At or above 90dB(A)
General Duty to reduce risk
Risk of hearing damage to be reduced to the lowest level reasonably practicable
Assessment of Noise Exposure
Noise assessments to be made by a competent person
Record of assessment to be kept until a new one is made
Noise Reduction
Reduce exposure to noise so far as is reasonably practicable by means other
than ear protectors
Provision of information to workers
Provide adequate information, instruction and training about risks to hearing, what employees should do to minimise risk, how they can obtain ear protectors if they are exposed between 85 and 90 dB (A), and their
obligations under the regulations
Mark ear protection zones with notices, so far as is reasonably practicable.
Ear Protectors
Ensure, so far as is practicable, that protectors are
- provided to employees who ask for them
- provided to all exposed - maintained and repaired
- used by all exposed
Employees Duties - Use of Equipment
Employees must, so far as is practicable:
- use the ear protectors provided
- use any other protective equipment provided
- report any defects discovered to the employer
Information, Instruction, Training & Competence
The Noise at Work Regulations require all employees likely to be exposed to
first action level or above or to peak action level or above to be provided
with adequate information instruction and training on certain matters. This
requirement would be adequately covered by the Basic Training andInformation detailed in (1) below.
Competence
The Noise at Work Regulations (1989) refer to competent persons and to what must be achieved. Guidance on what constitutes a competent person and advice on training is set out in the HSE's Guidance Notes to the Noise at Work Regulations and in Noise Guide No. 6.
Generally in safety legislation it is for the employer to judge competence.
To be competent
an individual must have sufficient training, experience, knowledge and other qualities to enable him to properly discharge his duties in health and safety.
The extent of these should be defined
both the employer and the individual should clearly understand the degree and limits of competence involved and can therefore identify the point at which further advice should be sought.
Guidance on the Noise at Work Regulations indicates that the level of
expertise needed will vary considerably with different situations.
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