Frequently asked questions

Strict rules apply in both the Netherlands and Belgium (based on European Directive 2003/10/EC). There is a simple rule of thumb: from 80 decibels, only the employer needs to take action, and from 85 decibels, the employee must also take action.

1. The lower action values

As soon as the average noise level over an 8-hour working day (LEX,8h) reaches 80 dB(A), or there are peak observations of 135 dB(C), the following obligations apply:

• Employer: Legally obliged to provide hearing protection (such as earplugs) to employees.
• Employee: Not required to wear protective gear, but it is strongly recommended.
• Prevention: The employer must provide information about the risks and offer employees the opportunity to undergo an audiometric examination (hearing test).

2. The upper action values

This is the critical point. If the daily dose (LEX,8h) averages 85 dB(A) or higher, or if there are peak noises of 137 dB(C), the following rules apply (in addition to the rules that already applied above).

• Mandatory wearing: Wearing hearing protection is now a legal requirement for employees.
• Enforcement: The employer is obliged to monitor usage (enforce). Simply “offering” is no longer sufficient.
• Marking: Workplaces where this limit is exceeded must be marked with pictograms and, where possible, cordoned off.
• Action plan: The employer must draw up an action plan to reduce noise at source (technical or organisational measures).

3. The limit values

There is an absolute maximum average daily dose of 87 dB(A) or peak noise levels above or equal to 140 dB(C). The attenuating effect of hearing protection may be taken into account for these values.

• Rule: The average noise level in the ear (i.e. under the protector) must never exceed 87 dB(A). If this is exceeded, work must be stopped immediately so that measures can be taken to reduce exposure. The causes of the exposure must also be identified and measures adapted to prevent recurrence.

Applicable regulations:

• The Netherlands: Working Conditions Decree Chapter 6, Section 3 (Noise)
• Belgium: Codex on well-being at work, Book V, Title 2 (Noise)

When determining the damping values, first and foremost, the protective base is taken into account. This is determined based on the sound levels in the company. We base this on noise reports prepared in the past by us or by another party. If there are no measurements of this, we will make an estimate based on the industry and activities. Secondly, the avoidance of overprotection (too large attenuation value) is always taken into account, which in itself leads to higher acceptance of the hearing protection, which is of course beneficial for hearing health. The manageable attenuation values of otoplastics have an adjustment range between 20 dB and 35 dB.