Marking and delimiting noise areas

What the rules require

Under section 7(4) of the German Noise and Vibration Ordinance, work areas in which the upper action values of 85 dB(A) or 137 dB(C) can be exceeded must be marked as noise areas and, where technically possible, delimited. Staying in a noise area is only permitted if the work process requires it and suitable personal hearing protection is worn. The action values apply without counting the hearing protection; how the daily value arises is explained in Calculating the daily noise exposure level.

• EU, Directive 2003/10/EC, Article 5(3): workplaces where exposure is likely to exceed the upper action values are marked with appropriate signs; the areas are delimited and access restricted where technically feasible and justified by the risk.
• UK, Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005, regulation 7(3): areas at or above the upper exposure action value are designated hearing protection zones, delimited and marked with the prescribed sign requiring hearing protection to be worn; access is restricted where practicable and justified by the risk, and as far as practicable nobody enters without hearing protection.

Which sign applies in Germany?

DGUV Rule 112-194 names the mandatory sign M003 “Wear hearing protection” for noise areas and refers to the technical rule for workplaces ASR A1.3 on safety and health signs. For mobile noise areas, for example at machines or equipment that change location, the marking is applied to the equipment.

How to implement it

1. Determine the levels in the risk assessment and define all areas where the upper action values can be exceeded, including temporarily.
2. Put the sign at the entrances, and for mobile machines on the equipment.
3. Where technically possible, delimit the area and restrict access.
4. Provide hearing protection at the entrance. DGUV Rule 112-194 (section 3.5) names dispensers at the entrances to noise areas as a simple way to issue earplugs; the issue points must be pointed out, and new hearing protectors and spare parts must be available at all times. More on dispensers.
5. Train workers and monitor use.

A noise area is not a permanent state

If an upper action value is exceeded, the employer must draw up and carry out a programme of technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure (section 7(5)). Marking does not replace these measures. For the steps see Noise reduction: hierarchy of measures.