IMASS has considerable experience in the field of noise assessments and has carried out many assessments in a wide range of industrial and non-industrial environments. We produce noise assessment data to a standard which complies with the forthcoming Noise Regulations due to be made statute in 2005. Not only are we able to provide comprehensive reports of noise levels found in the workplace, we also provide clients with data showing the effectiveness of any noise reducing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) by analysing field data with the performance characteristics of the PPE currently being used and advice on change. Where sought, IMASS can provide help with your management of noise and with the education of your workforce. As a well known Occupational Health company, we can provide ongoing noise surveillance and provide you with data which allows you to judge the effectiveness of your noise management programme.

The HSE produces a free leaflet for employers Noise at Work: Advice for Employers (INDG362) and a guidance book on the Regulations.

A European Directive was recently adopted which means that the UK must introduce new noise regulations by February 2006.Directive 2003/10/EC on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (noise), which will repeal Directive 86/188/EEC, was adopted on 9 December 2002 and came into force on 15 February 2003. The Directive tightens the legal requirements in relation to noise by lowering the exposure action values to 80 and 85 dB(A).In the UK, we now have until 15 February 2006 to transpose the Directive into new Regulations

The Directive came into force on 15 February 2003 and Member States have three years to put it into their legislation, so it must be implemented in the UK by 15 February 2006.

Currently (under the Noise at Work Regulations 1989) the first action level (link to heading Action levels) is a daily personal noise exposure of 85 dB(A), the second action level is a daily personal noise exposure of 90 dB(A), and the peak action level is a peak sound pressure of 200 pascals. When the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive is implemented with new regulations in early 2006, the first action level will be 80 dB(A) and a peak value of 112 pascals, the second action level will be 85 dB(A) and 140 pascals, and there will be a limit value of 87 dB(A) and 200 pascals. The limit value will take into account the reduction afforded by hearing protection.

Two of the action levels are values of 'daily personal noise exposure' expressed as L EP,d. These depend on the noise level in the working areas and how long people spend in them during the day.Under the current Noise at Work Regulations, the first action level is an L EP,d of 85 dB(A) and the second action level is an L EP,d of 90 dB(A). There is also a peak action level of 200 pascals for exposures to high level noise of short duration, such as cartridge operated tools. This identifies the risks of exposure to impulsive noise as opposed to continuous noise exposure.

Action levels (Noise at Work Regulations 2006) Two of the action levels are values of 'daily personal noise exposure' expressed as L EP,d. These depend on the noise level in the working areas and how long people spend in them during the day.Under the new Noise at Work Regulations, the first action level is an L EP,d of 80 dB(A) and the second limit level is an L EP,d of 87 dB(A).