asked the Minister for Labour if he will make regulations specifying a maximum threshold not exceeding 85 decibels for emissions of noise in factories, industrial centres, and so on.
Ceisteanna——Questions. Oral Answers. - Noise Regulations.
23.
Notice was published in the daily newspapers on 18th October, 1974, of my intention to make regulations which will prescribe measures to be taken for the purpose of protecting the health of workers from the effects of exposure to excessive noise. Under the law any objections to the draft regulations must be lodged in writing within 21 days of that date.
The draft regulations as published propose generally that a person employed shall not be exposed to sound pressure levels in excess of 90 decibels. This figure was proposed following research into prevailing technical and medical opinion and it would be in line with international standards. If evidence is produced in support of some other level, I will take this into account before making the regulations.
The regulations will be reviewed after two years' operation.