Noise and vibration exposure values quick reference

Noise exposure action values

Noise exposure action values and limits

Statutory noise exposure thresholds and employer actions required.

Lower Exposure Action Value: 80 dB(A) daily/weekly, 135 dB(C) peak
At lower value: Assess risks, make hearing protection available, provide information
Upper Exposure Action Value: 85 dB(A) daily/weekly, 137 dB(C) peak
At upper value: Reduce exposure, provide hearing protection, establish zones, health surveillance
Exposure Limit Value: 87 dB(A) daily/weekly, 140 dB(C) peak (accounting for hearing protection)
At limit value: Must not be exceeded - take immediate action

Employer duties at each noise level

Your obligations increase as noise levels rise:

Noise at work employer duties

Core employer obligations under Noise Regulations 2005.

Assess risks: Conduct noise risk assessment where exposure may reach action values
Reduce exposure: Technical and organisational measures before PPE
Hearing protection: Make available at 80 dB(A), mandatory at 85 dB(A)
Hearing protection zones: Demarcate and sign areas where 85 dB(A) exceeded
Information and training: Provide on noise risks, controls, hearing protection, health surveillance
Health surveillance: Regular hearing checks where exposure at or above upper action value

Selecting hearing protection

Hearing protection selection

How to select suitable hearing protection using SNR method, types available, and overprotection risks.

Types of hearing protection:

Earmuffs: Cups over ears. Best for intermittent use, easy on/off. Compatible with hard hats (helmet-mounted). SNR typically 20-35 dB
Disposable foam earplugs: Single-use, rolled and inserted. Low cost. SNR typically 25-37 dB. Must be inserted correctly to work
Pre-moulded earplugs: Reusable, flanged. Better fit consistency than foam. SNR typically 20-30 dB
Custom-moulded earplugs: Made to individual ear shape. Best long-term comfort. SNR varies by design. Higher initial cost but longer lifespan
Canal caps (banded earplugs): Connected by headband, rest at ear canal entrance. Lower attenuation. Good for brief intermittent exposure

Overprotection warning: Do not reduce exposure below 70 dB(A). Overprotection causes isolation, inability to hear warnings, speech, and machinery faults. Select protection that achieves 75-80 dB(A) at the ear.

Selection method: SNR (Single Number Rating) - simplest method. Estimated exposure at ear = noise level - (SNR - 4)
SNR calculation example: Noise 95 dB(A), earmuff SNR 30: estimated exposure = 95 - (30 - 4) = 69 dB(A)
Target range: Aim for 75-80 dB(A) at the ear. Below 70 dB(A) is overprotection
Mandatory threshold: Hearing protection mandatory above 85 dB(A) upper exposure action value
Available threshold: Hearing protection must be made available above 80 dB(A) lower exposure action value
Compatibility: Must work with other PPE - earmuffs may not seal with safety glasses; helmet-mounted earmuffs for hard hat wearers
Fit and comfort: Poor comfort leads to non-use. Involve workers in selection. Provide choice of types where practicable
Hearing protection zones: Areas above 85 dB(A) must be demarcated and signed. Protection must be worn in these zones

Hearing protection (HSE)

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure values

HAV from powered hand tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome:

Hand-arm vibration exposure values

Exposure action values and limits for hand-arm vibration.

Exposure Action Value (EAV): 2.5 m/s² A(8)
At EAV: Assess risk, introduce controls, provide health surveillance, training
Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 5.0 m/s² A(8)
At ELV: Must not be exceeded - take immediate action
Health effect: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) - tingling, numbness, white finger

Calculating daily HAV exposure

HAV daily exposure calculation

How to calculate hand-arm vibration daily exposure using the HSE points system and A(8) formula.

Formula: A(8) = vibration magnitude (m/s²) × √(exposure time in hours ÷ 8)

HSE points system (simpler method):

100 points per day = Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² A(8)
400 points per day = Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 5.0 m/s² A(8)
Points = vibration magnitude² × exposure hours × 2
For multiple tools: add points from each tool for total daily exposure

Common tool vibration magnitudes (typical ranges):

Angle grinder: 4-12 m/s²
Hammer drill: 6-25 m/s²
Chainsaw: 4-6 m/s²
Concrete breaker: 8-40 m/s²
Needle scaler: 5-32 m/s²
Plate compactor: 3-15 m/s²
Road breaker: 8-30 m/s²
Sanders: 2-10 m/s²

EAV in points: 100 points per day = 2.5 m/s² A(8) exposure action value
ELV in points: 400 points per day = 5.0 m/s² A(8) exposure limit value
Points formula: Points = vibration magnitude² × hours of use × 2
Example - angle grinder at 6 m/s²: 1 hour use = 6² × 1 × 2 = 72 points (below EAV). 1.5 hours = 108 points (above EAV)
Example - hammer drill at 15 m/s²: 15 minutes = 15² × 0.25 × 2 = 112.5 points (above EAV). 30 minutes = 225 points
Multiple tools: Add points from all tools used in a day. Total above 100 = EAV exceeded, above 400 = ELV exceeded
Exposure diary: Employers must estimate daily exposure for workers regularly exposed. Record tools used, vibration magnitudes, and duration
HSE calculator: Free HSE hand-arm vibration exposure calculator available online and as spreadsheet tool

Hand-arm vibration (HSE)

Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure values

WBV from driving vehicles or operating mobile machinery can cause back pain and spinal disorders:

Whole-body vibration exposure values

Exposure action values and limits for whole-body vibration.

Exposure Action Value (EAV): 0.5 m/s² A(8)
At EAV: Assess risk, introduce controls, provide information and training
Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 1.15 m/s² A(8)
At ELV: Must not be exceeded - take immediate action
Health effect: Lower back pain, spinal disorders

Key differences between noise and vibration regulations

Noise: Exposure limit value (87 dB(A)) takes account of hearing protection worn. You can comply by providing effective hearing protection
Vibration: Exposure limit value (5.0 m/s² HAV, 1.15 m/s² WBV) must not be exceeded. Anti-vibration gloves provide minimal reduction and cannot be relied upon to bring exposure below limits
Both: Require risk assessment, health surveillance where exposure reaches action values, and information and training for exposed workers

Noise and vibration exposure values quick reference

Comply with noise at work regulations

Carry out a noise risk assessment

Comply with vibration at work regulations

Health surveillance at work

Noise exposure action values

Employer duties at each noise level

Selecting hearing protection

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure values

Calculating daily HAV exposure

Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure values

Key differences between noise and vibration regulations

Official exposure calculators and guidance

Related guides in Health & Safety

Comply with noise at work regulations

Carry out a noise risk assessment

Comply with vibration at work regulations

Health surveillance at work

Noise exposure action values

Employer duties at each noise level

Selecting hearing protection

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure values

Calculating daily HAV exposure

Whole-body vibration (WBV) exposure values

Key differences between noise and vibration regulations

Official exposure calculators and guidance