Ear protection

The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 define three action levels for exposure to noise at work:
1A daily personal exposure of up to 85 dB(A). Where exposure exceeds this level,suitable hearing protection must be provided on request (Figure 2.10).
2A daily personal exposure of up to 90 dB(A). Above this second level of provision,hearing protection is mandatory.
3A peak sound pressure of 200 pascals (140 dB). Where the second or third levels are reached, employers must designate ear protection zones andrequire all who enter these zones to wear ear protection. Where the third level is exceeded,steps must be taken to reduce noise levels as far as is reasonably practicable. In every case where there isa risk of significant exposure to noise,assessment must be carried out and action taken to minimize hearing damage.
The first two noise action levels relate to exposure over a period (one day) and are intended to cater for the risks of prolonged work in noisy surroundings. The third level is related to sudden impact noises like those occurring in metal working procedures.