Posted By Dave Richardson I am aware that the Physical Agents (Noise) Directive (2003/10/EC)came into force on 15 February 2003 and Member States have three years to put it into their legislation. My question is, can anybody tell me if the US is doing anything along these line with there regulations? I have been trying to find my way through the relevent US equivelant standard Occupational noise exposure. - 1910.95, and it talks a lot about employee exposure to a TWA of 85 dB over an 8 hour period. There does not seen to be much mention of the 2nd Action level of 90 dB over an 8 hour period. Is this because there isn't one? The reason I ask the question is because our engineering department are looking at purchasing new equipment from the US and they state they will be unable to meet the requirements of the new UK legislation. To purchace the unit in the UK would be a cost increase of £100,000.00p. An expensive option. I am advising my company to push for all levels to be maintained below the new 1st Action level but this is proving somewhat difficult for the supplier. Should we be paying an extra premium from the UK company for what I believe should be a legal requirement? Any feedback would be greatly received. Best regards Dave

Posted By Dave Daniel The EC "First Action level" is scheduled to be set at 80dB(A) and at this level even talking too loudly may mean that earmuffs need to be worn. I can well imagine that a machine manufacturer may not be able to economically buld a machine which is so quiet. Given that driving my Honda CR-V on the motorway with one window open and NO radio exposes me to a measured 79.9dB(A) i suspect that all white van drivers will require earmuffs as well as a white stick! Perhaps you need to be working at the second action level of 85dB(A) for machine specification.

Posted By Paul Craythorne Dave, Carry out a risk assessment of purchasing the equipment from the USA. If you can justifiably show that it is not reasonably practicable (cost v risk) to spend another £100,000 on a machine from the UK then you have your answer. Regards, Paul Craythorne