Occupational noise exposure limits are established around the world to help protect the hearing health of workers.
Occupational noise exposure limits UK
In the UK, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 were established to ensure employers comply with a set of standards and regulations to prevent and reduce the health and safety risks posed at employees because of noise at work exposure.
The occupational noise exposure limits UK law require employers to take action if noise exceeds specific levels. The lower exposure action values of the occupational noise exposure limits UK are a daily or weekly exposure of 80 decibels and a peak sound pressure of 135 decibels.
The upper exposure action values of the occupational noise exposure limits is a daily or weekly exposure of 85 decibels and a peak sound pressure of 137 decibels.
The occupational noise exposure limits UK also requires exposure limit values that cannot be exceeded as daily or weekly exposure of 87 decibels and a peak sound pressure of 140 decibels.
In the UK, the Control of Noise at Work Regulations require employers assess the risks to employees from noise at work, provide hearing protection if the noise exposure cannot be reduced, ensure the occupational noise exposure limits are not exceeded, and provide information and training about occupational noise and the risks to employees.
Occupational noise exposure limits Europe
The European Union enforces legislation that requires employers to conform to health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks posed by occupational noise.
The EU’s Directive 2003/10/EC, lays down minimum requirements to safeguard employers to potential damage to their hearing caused by noise exposure at work. The Directive 2003/10/EC sets exposure limit values that are fixed at 87 decibels, which take into consideration the reduction gained by any personal protection equipment that workers are wearing.
The exposure value set by the occupational noise exposure limits Europe is fixed at 85 decibels for upper value and 80 decibels for lower value.
Occupational noise exposure limits Asia
Occupational noise exposure limits are also set in Asia, which, like the occupational noise exposure limits in Europe and the UK, aim to protect the health and safety of workers by setting noise at work regulations and noise exposure limits.
Excessive noise is an occupational health and safety hazard around the world. One of the biggest threats of excessive and regular noise at work exposure is the onset of noise induced hearing loss. Through occupational noise exposure limits Asia, Europe, UK and across the world, the hearing of those working in traditionally noisy environments is protected. Conforming to such legislation also means that employers are not at risk of health and safety negligence.