Legal limits on noise

The regulations require specific action at certain noise levels

Lower Exposure Action Values

The lower exposure action values are

• Daily or weekly exposure of 80 dB (A).
• Peak sound pressure of 135dB (C-weighted)

Upper Exposure Action Values

The upper exposure action values are

• Daily or weekly exposure of 85 dB (A).
• Peak sound pressure of 137 dB (C-weighted).

Exposure Limit Values

These are the levels of noise exposure that must not be exceeded (taking into account any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection).

• Daily or weekly exposure of 87 dB (A).
• Peak sound pressure of 140 dB (C-weighted).

Below Lower Exposure Action Value

Even where noise is below 80 dB(A) there is a general duty to reduce noise levels to as low as reasonably practicable.