Hearing Protection Information
New Noise Regulations
In February 2006, new noise regulations on and work came into force. The main changes from the
existing regulations are the reduction by 5 decibels (dB) of the exposure levels at which action has to be taken.
The new exposure levels will be 80 dB and 85 dB, with a limit of 87 dB on personal noise exposure. This will mean that some employers who already take action to control noise may have to do more. Others who did not have to do anything previously may have to start taking action.
Harmful Range
- Aircraft Jet Engine (140 dBA) - New Regulation of 140dB 2nd Action Level - Peak ( C )
- Gun Shot Rivetting Hammer (130dBA) - New Regulation of 135dB 1st Action Level - Peak ( C )
- Chainsaw, Propeller aircraft (120 dBA)
- Nail Gun, Blasting, Rock Drill (110 dBA)
Risk Area
- Machine shop, welding/fabrication shop (100 dBA)
- Drilling Concrete, Heavy Goods Vehicle, Sandblasting (90 dBA) - New Regulation of 87dB Maximum Exposure Limit Value 85dB 2nd Action Level
Safe Area
- Busy Traffic, Loud Radio, Vacuum Cleaner (80 dBA) - New Regulation of 80dB 1st Action Level
- Car Driver (70 dBA)
- Normal Office Conversation (60 dBA)
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to:
- Assess the risks to their employees from noise at work - sound level meter
- Take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks
- Provide their employees with hearing protection if they cannot reduce the noise exposure enough through other methods (making hearing protection available on request at 80 dB and ensuring it is worn at 85 dB)
- Make
sure the legal limits on noise exposure (87 dB daily or weekly exposure or peak sound pressure of 140 dB taking account of hearing protection)
are not exceeded
- Provide employees with information, instruction and training
- Carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health
Hearing Standards
EN352:1 Ear Muffs
EN352:2 Ear Plugs
EN352:3 Helmet mounted Ear Muffs
SNR Rating
Simplified Noise Level Reduction is an easy means of comparing different hearing protectors. The SNR data supplied by the manufacturer is an easy means of comparing different earmuffs and earplugs.
For example the SNR is deducted from the overall sound level to calculate the sound pressure level at the ear when wearing the hearing protector. Please note that at different frequencies the SNR does not reduce the attenuation by the SNR number.
HML
Method of estimating the attenuation of hearing protection based on 3 parameters.
- H = High
- M = Medium
- L = Low
The terms refer to the noise reduction of the chosen hearing protector.
New Legislation For Music & Entertainment Sectors
From April of 2008 we will see the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (Noise Regulations) replace previous legislation.
Music and entertainment sectors are defined in the new regulations as all workplaces where a) live music is played or b) recorded music is played in a restaurant, bar, public house, discotheque or nightclub, or alongside live music or a live dramatic or dance performance.
For more information please read our Nightclubs & Bar's Leaflet (396kb pdf)
