1.2.3 Exposure Limit Value (ELV)
Primary Legislation
Daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87 dB(A) (accounting for attenuation from hearing protection)
Peak sound pressure of 140 dB(C) (accounting for attenuation from hearing protection)
Daily or weekly personal noise exposure of
87 dB(A)
(accounting for attenuation from hearing protection)
Peak sound pressure of
140 dB(C)
(accounting for attenuation from hearing protection)
Legal Requirement: This is the absolute maximum exposure permitted. An employee's exposure, taking into account the protection provided by hearing protectors, must never exceed this value (Regulation 6(4)).
If exceeded: The employer must immediately: 1. Reduce exposure to below the ELV 2. Identify the reason for exceedance 3. Modify organisational and technical measures to prevent recurrence
Why it matters: The ELV is the only exposure value where the attenuation provided by hearing protection is taken into account. This makes the Personal Attenuation Rating (PAR) from fit testing legally significant—it is the measurement that determines whether the ELV is being complied with. Without knowing the actual attenuation an individual achieves (PAR), an employer cannot demonstrate ELV compliance. Related: [#ukhca-par-definition](#ukhca-par-definition), [#audiometry-vs-par](#audiometry-vs-par).