When is hearing protection required at work?

The exposure values at a glance

The daily noise exposure is the level averaged over an eight-hour working day. A short, very loud task can therefore exceed it just as easily as a whole day at a moderately loud machine. The peak sound pressure, by contrast, applies to individual impulses, such as hammer blows when straightening or riveting.

Short and loud counts too: the 3 dB rule

The daily value is based on sound energy. Each time the exposure time is halved, the level may be 3 dB higher for the same daily value. Four hours at 88 dB(A) therefore put the same strain on hearing as eight hours at 85 dB(A).

Exposure is determined in the risk assessment, with measurements by competent persons where needed (Article 4 of the directive, in the UK Regulation 5). Typical levels for individual tasks are listed in the hearing protection finder.

From 80 dB(A): provide, train, check hearing

• Make hearing protection available: Above the lower exposure action values, the employer must make individual hearing protectors available to workers (Article 6(1)(a)). In the UK, they must be made available to any exposed employee who asks for them (Regulation 7(1)).
• Inform and train: Workers exposed at or above the lower exposure action values must receive information and training on the risks of noise (Article 8). See Hearing protection training.
• Hearing checks: Where the risk assessment shows a risk to health, preventive audiometric testing must be available above the lower exposure action values (Article 10(2)). In the UK, health surveillance including hearing tests is required wherever the risk assessment shows a risk to health (Regulation 9).

From 85 dB(A): hearing protection must be worn

• Make sure it is worn: At or above the upper exposure action values, hearing protectors must be used. The employer must make every effort to ensure that they are worn (Article 6(1)(b) and 6(2)).
• Mark noise areas: Workplaces where the upper exposure action values are likely to be exceeded must be marked with appropriate signs and, where technically feasible and justified by the risk, delimited with restricted access (Article 5(3)). In the UK these are called hearing protection zones (Regulation 7(3)). The usual sign is the blue mandatory sign “Wear ear protection”.
• Right to a hearing check: Workers whose exposure exceeds the upper exposure action values have the right to have their hearing checked by a doctor or a suitably qualified person under a doctor’s responsibility (Article 10(2)).

Engineering first, then organisation, then hearing protection

Hearing protection is the last resort. Technical measures such as quieter machines, enclosures and sound absorbers come first, followed by organisational measures such as shorter times in noisy areas. If the upper exposure action values are exceeded, the employer must establish and implement a programme of technical and organisational measures to reduce noise exposure (Article 5(2), in the UK Regulation 6).

Under hearing protection: what may reach the ear

Hearing protectors must be selected so as to eliminate the risk to hearing or to reduce it to a minimum (Article 6(1)(c)). Taking the hearing protection into account, the exposure limit values of 87 dB(A) and 140 dB(C) must never be exceeded (Article 7). Germany is stricter: there, no more than 85 dB(A) and 137 dB(C) may reach the ear (§ 8(2) LärmVibrationsArbSchV).

DGUV Rule 112-194 of the German Social Accident Insurance recommends a level of 70 to 80 dB(A) at the ear. Below that, there is a risk of overprotection; the UK Health and Safety Executive also advises against protectors that bring the level at the ear below 70 dB. The hearing protection finder calculates the level at the ear.

The employer must also check the condition of hearing protection regularly and act at once on defects. In the UK, Regulation 8 requires equipment provided under the regulations to be kept in good repair; in Germany this duty is in § 8(4) LärmVibrationsArbSchV.

What applies to workers?

Workers must make correct use of the personal protective equipment provided to them (Article 13 of Framework Directive 89/391/EEC). In the UK, employees must make full and proper use of the hearing protectors provided and report any defects (Regulation 8(2)). The employer bears the cost of hearing protection.

Checklist for employers

1. Determine noise exposure in the risk assessment, with measurements where needed.
2. Check and implement technical and organisational measures.
3. Select hearing protection that leaves 70 to 80 dB(A) at the ear.
4. Make hearing protection available, ideally within reach at the entrance to the noise area, for example in a wall dispenser.
5. Mark noise areas from 85 dB(A) and delimit them where possible.
6. Train workers, with practical exercises.
7. Arrange hearing checks as national law requires: in the UK health surveillance, in Germany offered above 80 dB(A) and mandatory from 85 dB(A).
8. Check the condition of hearing protection regularly and document everything.