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Noise Legislation
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 th December 2002 and came into force on 15 th February 2003. The Directive tightens the legal requirements in relation to noise by lowering the exposure values to 80 and 85 dB(A).
15th February 2006 is the date by which the Directive must be transposed into UK Regulations. On 5th April 2004 The Health and Safety Executive issued a formal Consultative Document covering both draft regulations and guidance.
An information pack on the Directive is available, containing:
• Covering letter (pdf download)
• Text of the Directive (pdf download)
• Comparison with main provisions of 1986 Noise Directive
• Regulatory Impact Assessment (pdf download)
Click here to download our latest industry guide - "12 things you should know about call centre related injuries".
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Common sound pressure levels and associated sound pressures |
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Sound Source |
Sound Pressure Level
(decibels, A weighted) |
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Saturn Rocket |
194 |
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Ram Jet |
160 |
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Propeller Aircraft |
140 |
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Threshold of Pain |
135 |
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Riveter |
120 |
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Heavy Truck |
100 |
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Noisy Office |
80 |
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Heavy Traffic |
80 |
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Conversational Speech |
60 |
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Private Office |
50 |
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Quiet Residence |
40 |
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Recording Studio |
30 |
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Leaves Rustling |
20 |
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NB: Every 6db increase represents twice an increase in noise
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