When is hearing protection mandatory at work?
When is hearing protection mandatory at work?
When is hearing protection mandatory at work?
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: is legally obliged to provide hearing protection (such as earplugs) to employees.
- Employee: is not obliged to wear the protective equipment, 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 exceedance occurs 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 adjusted to prevent recurrence.
Applicable regulations:
The Netherlands: Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit), Chapter 6, Section 3 (Noise)
Belgium: Codex on well-being at work, Book V, Title 2 (Noise)
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