What is L108?
L108 is the HSE's Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance for the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. It explains how employers should protect workers from the risks of noise exposure that can cause permanent hearing damage.
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational health conditions in the UK. It is entirely preventable, yet thousands of workers suffer permanent hearing damage every year because of inadequate noise control at work. L108 provides the framework for preventing this.
The guidance covers how to assess noise risks, what the legal exposure limits mean, how to control noise at source, when hearing protection is required, and how to implement health surveillance.
Who Needs This Document?
L108 is essential for:
- Employers in noisy industries (manufacturing, construction, entertainment, agriculture)
- Health and safety managers developing noise control programmes
- Occupational health professionals managing hearing conservation
- Factory and plant managers responsible for noisy processes
- Construction managers overseeing sites with noisy plant and equipment
- Entertainment industry managers (music venues, clubs, theatres, orchestras)
- Agricultural businesses using loud machinery
- Engineering companies with machining, fabrication, or assembly operations
- Anyone purchasing or specifying machinery who needs to consider noise output
Key Topics Covered
Noise Exposure Limits
L108 explains the three key exposure values in the Regulations:
| Limit | Daily Exposure | Peak Sound Pressure | Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower exposure action value | 80 dB(A) | 135 dB(C) | Make hearing protection available, provide information |
| Upper exposure action value | 85 dB(A) | 137 dB(C) | Hearing protection zones, mandatory hearing protection |
| Exposure limit value | 87 dB(A) | 140 dB(C) | Must not be exceeded (taking account of protection worn) |
Noise Risk Assessment
L108 guides employers through the noise assessment process:
- Identifying who is at risk
- Estimating noise exposure levels
- Using measurement equipment correctly
- Identifying high-risk activities and areas
- Determining what action is needed
- Recording the assessment
- Reviewing and updating as circumstances change
Controlling Noise Exposure
The hierarchy of control for noise is emphasised:
- Eliminate the noise source where possible
- Substitute with quieter equipment or processes
- Engineering controls - enclosures, silencers, damping, isolation
- Administrative controls - limiting exposure time, job rotation
- Hearing protection - as a last resort or interim measure
L108 stresses that hearing protection should not be the primary means of control. Reducing noise at source is always preferable.
Hearing Protection
When hearing protection is needed, L108 covers:
- Selecting appropriate protectors for the noise environment
- Ensuring protection is suitable and compatible with other PPE
- Understanding real-world attenuation vs manufacturer claims
- Maintaining and storing protectors correctly
- Ensuring protectors are worn properly
Hearing Protection Zones
Where noise exceeds the upper exposure action value:
- The area must be designated as a hearing protection zone
- Entry must be restricted where practicable
- Signs must be displayed
- Everyone in the zone must wear hearing protection
Health Surveillance
L108 explains when audiometric testing (hearing checks) is required:
- When there is a risk to health from noise exposure
- When workers are regularly exposed above the upper action value
- How often testing should occur
- What to do if hearing damage is detected
- Record keeping requirements
Information and Training
Workers exposed to noise must receive:
- Information on the risks to their hearing
- The results of noise assessments
- The precautions they should take
- How to use hearing protection correctly
- How to report problems
Legal Status
As an Approved Code of Practice, L108 has special legal weight. Following the ACOP is the clearest way to demonstrate compliance with the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Failure to follow the ACOP can be used as evidence of a breach in court proceedings, unless you can show you met the legal requirements in some other equally effective way.
Why It Matters
The consequences of ignoring noise risks are severe:
For Workers
- Permanent hearing loss - noise-induced hearing damage cannot be cured
- Tinnitus - persistent ringing in the ears affecting sleep and quality of life
- Reduced quality of life - difficulty hearing conversations, music, and everyday sounds
For Employers
- Civil claims - workers can sue for occupational deafness
- Criminal prosecution - HSE can prosecute for Regulations breaches
- Improvement notices - requiring investment in noise controls
- Reputation damage - being known as an employer who damaged workers' hearing
The Scale of the Problem
- Over 1 million UK workers are exposed to potentially harmful noise levels
- Noise-induced hearing loss claims cost employers hundreds of millions of pounds
- Many cases go unreported or undiagnosed for years
L108 provides the practical guidance needed to prevent all of this. Proper noise control, hearing protection programmes, and health surveillance can eliminate noise-induced hearing loss from your workplace.
Quick Compliance Checklist
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Assess noise exposure for all workers who may be at risk |
| 2 | Compare exposures against action values and limit values |
| 3 | Implement engineering and administrative controls to reduce noise |
| 4 | Where exposure remains above action values, provide hearing protection |
| 5 | Designate hearing protection zones where required |
| 6 | Provide information and training to exposed workers |
| 7 | Implement health surveillance where appropriate |
| 8 | Review and update assessment regularly |
Further Resources
- Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)
- HSE Noise at work web pages
- INDG362 - Noise at work guidance for employees
This page summarises the ACOP L108. For full legal compliance, obtain and read the complete document from HSE. This summary is not a substitute for professional advice or the full ACOP text.