Frequently asked questions
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Within the context of the working conditions policy, the employer must record in writing which risks the work entails in an inventory and evaluation. This risk inventory and evaluation contains a description of the hazards and the risk-limiting measures indicated in an action plan. Noise poses both auditory and non-auditory risks to the health and well-being of exposed people. The soundscape must therefore be identified and kept up to date.
Please contact us via telephone, email, or via the website. We will inform you about the process that must be followed. We will find a date and time that suits us both when our specialist will come to your premises, without obligation to give suggestions about the measurement locations. If you have a list of such measurement locations, such a visit is not necessary. A quotation is prepared based on the list. After we reach an agreement, we will decide an a measurement day when the audiologist can come and perform the measurements on sit. You will receive the noise report a few days after the measurement day.
The Tympro employee starts with his measurements at the agreed time. This normally starts when the earliest work shift starts. The participants who represent the agreed measurement locations each receive a sound dosimeter. They are asked to keep a time schedule of their activities and locations. During the measurement day, the audiologist walks around and takes manual measurements at several locations and takes notes. At the end of the shift, the dosimeters and time schedules are collected.
In South Africa, the rules are governed by the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024. Companies should focus on two distinct thresholds: the standard Noise-Rating Limit and the more specific Noise Action Level.
1. The critical thresholds
The law defines specific levels at which an environment becomes a 'Noise Zone'. If your workplace meets these criteria, strict obligations apply.
- The standard limit (Noise-Rating Limit):
Continuous noise: An 8-hour rating level (LEX,8h) of 85 dBA or higher.
Impulse noise: A peak noise level (LCpeak) of 137 dB(C) or higher.
- The lower limit (Noise Action Level):
- This applies specifically if employees are also exposed to ototoxic chemical agents (chemicals that damage hearing) or whole-body vibration.
Continuous noise: An 8-hour rating level of 82 dB(A) or higher.
Impulse noise: A peak noise level of 135 dB(C) or higher.
2. Obligations in a 'noise zone'
If an area or a piece of machinery exceeds the limits mentioned above, it is legally classified as a noise zone.
Mandatory entry: No person is allowed to enter or remain in a noise zone unless they are wearing effective hearing protective devices (HPDs).
Demarcation: The employer must clearly demarcate these zones (or mobile machinery) with visible signage.
Employee duty: Employees are legally obligated to inspect, use, and wear their HPDs strictly in accordance with training and instructions.
3. Requirements for the protection (HPDs)
It is not enough to simply provide earplugs. The regulations require specific performance standards from the protection provided:
Effectiveness: The HPDs must be capable of reducing the noise exposure to below the noise-rating limit (below 85 dBA).
Combined risks: If working with ototoxic chemicals or vibration, the HPDs must reduce exposure to below the noise action level (below 82 dBA).
Selection criteria: When choosing protection, the employer must consider comfort, the physical effort of the work, and compatibility with other safety gear (like hard hats or goggles).
4. The hierarchy of control
South African law emphasizes that hearing protection is the last resort, not the first solution.
- Eliminate: The employer must first try to eliminate the noise source.
- Mitigate: If elimination is impossible, they must use engineering controls (like silencers or enclosures) or administrative controls (limiting the time spent in the noise).
- Protect: Only if these measures fail to reduce noise below the limits must HPDs.
5. Important tip:
Be aware of the "Combined Risk." The 2024 Regulations place a heavy emphasis on Ototoxic Chemical Agents (chemicals that can cause hearing loss even below 85 dB). If your staff works with solvents, heavy metals, or asphyxiants and noise levels are around 82 dB, you are legally required to treat that area as a full Noise Zone and enforce hearing protection.
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.