The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came in to force on 6th April 2006.  For the music and entertainment sectors only they come into force on 6th April 2008.

1. The lower exposure action values are -

(a) a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 80 dB (A weighted); and

(b) a peak sound pressure of 135 dB(C weighted).

2. The upper exposure action values are -

(a) a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 85 dB (A weighted); and

(b) a peak sound pressure of 137 dB(C weighted).

3. The exposure limit values are -

(a) a daily or weekly personal noise exposure of 87 dB (A weighted); and

(b) a peak sound pressure of 140 dB(C weighted).

The weekly personal noise exposure may be used where the daily exposure of an employee to noise varies markedly from day to day.

In complying with the exposure limit values but NOT in applying the lower and upper exposure action values in 1 and 2 above account shall be taken of the protection given to the employee by any personal hearing protectors provided by the emplyer.

Further information is available on the HSE website