Rank: Super forum user 
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One for you noise boffins.
What purpose does the exposure limit value serve?
At 85 dBA I would try and reduce noise levels as far as reasonably practicable and / or issue hearing protection that was approriate.
At the exposure limit value I would do the same? I am not allowed to expose people to the exposure limit value but then surely I am not allowed to expose them to 85 dBA either?
I have been re-reading the regs and some guidance on the net and just going around in illogical circles. Both limits / levels appear to give me the same duties. Either way I take exposure at the ear down to below 85 dBA ( at least ).
Help - simple explanation only please.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Well, I will try then, and in very simple terms and to try and answer your specific question(s).
You should always try to reduce noise exposure SOFARP.
The limit value is pretty much what it says and the purpose that it serves is to provide a limit of exposure that must NOT be exceeded; end of! This will apply to the noise level ‘under’ their ear protection, if ear protection is used. The limit value is a different duty to the duty to reduce noise exposure SOFARP (see below)
Yes, you can expose workers at or above the upper exposure action value, and up to the limit value but you must try and reduce that SOFARP and provide hearing protection
Does that help?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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ELV introduces the term "forthwith" and requires reduction in exposure to below ELV and noise management changes.
The duty at the UAV is "as low a level as reasonably practicable" and does not state any timeframe.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Canopener,
OK - so, still feeling dumb.
I can't exceed 85 dBA.
So when would I ever hit 87 at the ear anyway?
Simple as sausage replies please - I think the sun is melting my brain!!
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Rank: Super forum user
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Yes, you can exceed the UEAV of 85dB(A), but you should try to reduce that SOFARP and provide hearing protection.
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Rank: Forum user
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Hi, Im by no means an expert, but this is my understanding of the Regs and actions: Both the lower exposure value (80dB) and upper exposure value (85dB) refer to the average (Leq) noise level in the work areas. Once the average reaches 85dB, hearing protection must become mandatory and you must provide occupational health screening (audoimetric testing) for all persons exposed to this level. You may well have an average of over 90 or 100dB and still be compliant as long as your hearing protection brings the noise at the ear (behind the hearing protection) to below 87dB as an average. Exposure values dont take account for any hearing protection Exposure Limmits do take account for the protection worn (but you need to work it out) Eg: - Leq of a workplace = 100dB - your hearing protection states an SNR (single number rating) of 15 SNR. this brings the noise at the ear to aprox 85dB (which is below the Limit of 87dB). This makes you compliant, although it is still good practice to reduce the noise levels to low as is reasonable practicable Also, if you have a test result which shows octave banding (all the different frequencies on a grapgh) you can see which frequencies are reading the highest noise levels and target hearing protection which offer the most protection at that frequency. look on the back of the packet for the hearing protection for the APV (Assumed protection value) rating which is alot more accurate than the SNR rating given on most hearing protection. This link may of help http://www.noisemeters.c...k/apps/naw/protector.aspHope this is of some help
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