Noise second action level

The second action level is a daily personal noise exposure of 90dB(A). 

At the first action level an employee must be provided with ear protection (ear muffs or ear plugs) on request. At the second action level the employer must reduce, so far as is reasonably practicable, other than by providing ear protection, the exposure to noise of that employee. 

The exposure criterion used in these Regulations is the equivalent noise level over the working day or shift (Lep ci). Three actions levels are identified, the first action level is an lEP,d of 85 dB(A) when an employee has to be provided with hearing protection on request (Reg. 8(1)), the second action level is an exposure of 90dB(A) or more when hearing protection must be provided and worn (Reg. 8(2)) and the third level is the peak action level when a peak sound pressure level of 200 pascals occurs when hearing protection must, again, be provided and worn. 

Noisy machinery should be fitted with silencers. When machinery is used in a workshop (such as woodworking machines), a noise survey should be undertaken and, if the noise levels exceed the second action level, the use of ear defenders becomes mandatory. If it is necessary to shout when talking to a nearby colleague, then the noise level is excessive and ear defenders should be worn. 

Where the noise exposure exceeds the second action level or the peak action level, employers must in addition to the requirements detailed above ... 

New regulations introduced in 2006 reduce the first action level to 80dB(A) and the second level to 85dB(A) with a peak action level of 98dB(A) or 140 Pa of pressure. Every employer must make a noise assessment and provide workers with information about the risks to hearing if the noise level approaches the first action level. They must do all that is reasonably practicable to control the noise exposure of their employees and clearly mark ear protection zones. Employees must wear personal ear protection while in such a zone. 

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