It is important to measure noise levels within a workplace to ensure employees are not exposed to harmful levels of noise. The Safety Health Welfare at Work (General Application) Regs 2007, Part 5, Control of Noise at Work contains the following action levels and exposure limits:

• • At the Lower Exposure Action Value of 80 dB(A) or Peak Sound Pressure of 135 dB(C) employers must assess risk, inform employees of potential hazards and make hearing protection available.
  • At the Upper Exposure Action Value of 85 dB(A) or Peak Sound Pressure of 137 dB(C) employers must implement a plan to reduce noise at the source (engineering controls), designate hearing protection zones, and ensure hearing protection is worn.
  • Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 87 dB(A) is the absolute maximum, taking into account attenuation from hearing protection. Employees must not be exposed to more than this level.

A comprehensive report will be compiled outlining areas where action needs to be taken to ensure compliance with the Noise Regulations.

The report will include recommendations on ways of reducing noise exposures and review current hearing protection adequacy.