Noise action values
The exposure levels at which an employer must take specific action to control noise at work. Each jurisdiction sets its own lower and upper exposure action values and peak sound pressure limits; the numbers differ and must not be imported across jurisdictions.
Local equivalents exist but use different names or numerical thresholds. Do not apply one jurisdiction's values in another.
Also known as
By jurisdiction
UK HSE
“noise action values”Exact equivalentThe Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (SI 2005/1643) set lower and upper exposure action values (EAV) and exposure limit values (ELV). The lower EAV is a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80 dB(A) and a peak sound pressure of 135 dB(C). The upper EAV is 85 dB(A) and 137 dB(C). The ELV, which must not be exceeded, is 87 dB(A) and 140 dB(C), taking account of hearing protection attenuation.
Irish HSA
“noise action values”Close equivalentThe Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Control of Noise at Work) Regulations 2006 (SI 2006/371) implement Directive 2003/10/EC in Ireland. The lower exposure action value is 80 dB(A) daily or weekly, and the exposure limit value is 87 dB(A). The values mirror the EU Directive and are the same as the GB values in number, but are set under a separate Irish instrument.
US OSHA
“permissible noise exposure”Partial equivalentOSHA 29 CFR 1910.95 establishes permissible noise exposures in general industry. The permissible exposure limit (PEL) is 90 dB(A) as an 8-hour TWA. The action level at which a hearing conservation programme must be implemented is 85 dB(A) as an 8-hour TWA. The exchange rate used (5 dB doubling) differs from the EU/UK exchange rate (3 dB).
Practitioner note: GB/IE lower EAV = 80 dB(A), upper EAV = 85 dB(A). OSHA action level = 85 dB(A) TWA using a 5 dB exchange rate (GB/IE use 3 dB). Different exchange rates mean numbers are not directly comparable.