Preventing noise-related risks in the workplace

‍

Noise in the workplace can have multiple sources: machines, tools, vehicles... It becomes disruptive, even dangerous, beyond a certain limit.

Health risks primarily increase with:

• the intensity of the noise, measured in decibels (A) [dB(A)]
• the duration of employee exposure

It should be noted that one in five employees in France is exposed to noise levels dangerous to health.

The consequences of noise exposure are numerous:

• Hearing loss
• Stress
• Sleep disturbances, fatigue
• Concentration difficulties
• Loss of efficiency
• Increased risk of workplace accidents
• Impacts on the cardiovascular system: risk of high blood pressure
• Negative impacts on the inner ear of the fetus during the last 3 months of pregnancy

What regulations govern noise-related risks in the workplace?

To prevent these risks, the Labor Code, in articles R. 4431-1 to R. 4437-4, requires employers to comply with the following prevention requirements, based on general prevention principles:

1. Upstream actions on the work environment

Firstly, where possible, it is the employer's responsibility to reduce noise sources:

• if possible, from the design stage of the premises,
• or during major renovations.

This can involve choices in work organization, workshop layout, or the selection of quieter processes or equipment...

2. Risk Assessment

The risk assessment, documented in the single professional risk assessment document (DUERP), serves as the starting point for the prevention process, enabling the employer to identify the measures that need to be taken.

The assessment of noise levels and, if necessary, their measurement are planned and carried out by competent persons, with the assistance, where appropriate, of the occupational health service. They are conducted at appropriate intervals, particularly when a modification to facilities or work methods is likely to lead to an increase in noise levels.

If measurements are taken, they must then be renewed at least every five years.

When the assessment reveals the presence of risks, the employer must then take action.

3. Implementation of Collective Prevention Measures

Collective measures are the most effective, and therefore should be prioritized:

• Noise reduction at the source. These measures, despite being the most effective, are the least implemented because they are often costly or technically difficult to put in place.
• Actions on noise propagation. This can be achieved by distancing employees, acoustic treatment of workplaces, enclosing or partitioning machinery, installing acoustic screens...

4. Implementation of Personal Protective Equipment

When all collective noise protection measures have been considered and could not be implemented, either for technical or financial reasons, personal protective equipment (PPE) may be used.

The rules are as follows:

• Exposure to 80 dB(A) over 8 hours (or 135 dB(C)): obligation to provide hearing PPE
• Exposure to 85 dB(A) over 8 hours (or 137 dB(C)): mandatory use of hearing PPE
• Exposure to 87 dB(A) over 8 hours (or 140 dB(C)): exposure limit value
  

5. Information and Training of Personnel

This information and training cover, in particular:

• the nature of the risk
• the prevention measures taken
• the exposure limit values and the exposure values triggering prevention action
• the results of noise assessments and measurements
• the correct use of personal hearing protectors
• the usefulness and methods for detecting and reporting symptoms of hearing impairment
• the conditions under which workers are entitled to individual health monitoring
• safe work practices, to minimize noise exposure

6. Staff Health Monitoring

A worker whose noise exposure exceeds 80dB(A) over an 8-hour period is entitled, upon their request or that of the occupational physician, to a preventive audiometric examination.