What are the noise at work action values?
Updated · UK law and HSE guidance
Short answer
The lower noise exposure action values are 80 dB(A) daily or weekly and 135 dB(C) peak. The upper action values are 85 dB(A) and 137 dB(C) peak. The exposure limit values are 87 dB(A) and 140 dB(C) peak, taking hearing protection into account.
| Lower EAV | 80 dB(A) daily/weekly; 135 dB(C) peak |
|---|---|
| Upper EAV | 85 dB(A) daily/weekly; 137 dB(C) peak |
| ELV | 87 dB(A) daily/weekly; 140 dB(C) peak |
| Lower EAV action | Information, training and hearing protection on request |
| Upper EAV action | Control programme, hearing-protection zones and mandatory protection |
| Main law | Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 |
What the values measure
Daily or weekly personal exposure combines noise level and duration; peak values address sudden impact sound. Decibels are logarithmic, so apparently small increases are significant. The action values trigger duties and are not targets to work up to. The 87 dB(A) limit may account for attenuation from hearing protection, while the risk assessment and control programme use exposure before that protection.
- Assess every significant source across the working day
- Use weekly exposure only where day-to-day exposure varies markedly and conditions allow
- Obtain competent help where estimates are uncertain
Actions at the lower and upper values
At or above the lower action value, provide information and training and make suitable hearing protection available where requested. At or above the upper action value, establish and implement a programme of technical and organisational measures, mark hearing-protection zones where appropriate and ensure protection is worn. In all cases, reduce exposure so far as reasonably practicable.
- Choose quieter processes and equipment
- Enclose, isolate or damp noisy sources
- Reduce time and numbers exposed only after controlling at source
Hearing protection and health surveillance
Select protection that provides enough attenuation without overprotection, fit it correctly and maintain it. It is an interim or additional control, not a substitute for controlling noise at source. Provide health surveillance for workers regularly exposed above the upper action value or otherwise at risk, and use results to review controls while protecting confidentiality. Keep the assessment available to relevant workers. SitePaper can generate a noise risk-assessment draft.
- Enforce use in designated zones
- Account for communication and warning signals
- Review after process changes, symptoms or evidence of ineffective control
Sources
- HSE: Assessing noise risks
- HSE: Noise action and limit values
- HSE: Hearing protection
- HSE: Daily noise exposure ready-reckoner
This guide summarises UK law and HSE guidance for small businesses. It is not legal advice; check the sources and your own circumstances.