1. Scope:

The regulations apply to all workplaces in the UK where noise is a potential hazard, including industries such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, music and entertainment, and other sectors where noise exposure may exceed safe levels.

2. Exposure Action Values (EAV):

The regulations set out two levels of noise exposure at which employers are required to take action:

• Lower Exposure Action Value: Daily or weekly noise exposure of 80 dB(A), or a peak sound pressure of 135 dB(C). At this level, employers must provide information and training to workers and offer hearing protection.
• Upper Exposure Action Value: Daily or weekly noise exposure of 85 dB(A), or a peak sound pressure of 137 dB(C). At this level, employers must actively reduce noise exposure and provide hearing protection to workers.

There is also an Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 87 dB(A), taking hearing protection into account. This is the absolute maximum allowable exposure level; exceeding this value is not permitted under any circumstances.

3. Employer Responsibilities: Employers are required to:

Assess Noise Risks: Carry out a risk assessment to determine noise levels in the workplace and identify workers who may be at risk. This includes measuring and monitoring noise exposure where necessary.

Reduce Noise Exposure: Where employees are exposed to noise levels above the lower action value (80 dB), employers must take action to reduce noise exposure through technical or organisational measures. This could involve:

• Modifying equipment to make it quieter.
• Changing work processes to reduce noise.
• Implementing quiet zones or barriers.

Provide Hearing Protection: When noise levels reach or exceed the upper action value (85 dB), employers must provide suitable hearing protection to workers. Employers should also ensure that hearing protection is properly used and maintained.

Information, Instruction, and Training: Employees must be informed about the risks associated with noise exposure and trained on how to protect themselves. This includes the proper use of hearing protection and understanding the dangers of excessive noise.

Health Surveillance: If workers are regularly exposed to noise levels above the upper action value (85 dB), employers must provide health surveillance, including regular hearing tests (audiometry) to monitor their hearing over time.

4. Employee Responsibilities:

Employees are also responsible for using the hearing protection and noise-control measures provided by their employer and for participating in training and health surveillance programs.

5. Hearing Protection Zones:

Areas where noise levels exceed 85 dB(A) should be designated as hearing protection zones, and employees must wear hearing protection when entering these zones.

6. Music and Entertainment Sector:

A specific guidance is provided for industries where high noise levels are an inherent part of the work, such as in the music and entertainment sector. In these environments, employers are still required to manage and reduce noise exposure while taking into account the unique challenges of the industry.

7. Penalties for Non-compliance:

Employers who fail to comply with the regulations can face legal action, which may include fines or prosecution. Failure to protect workers from excessive noise can also lead to compensation claims if workers suffer from noise-induced hearing damage.