EU regulations for noise at work

When a daily exposure to noise of 85 dB(A) is exceeded plans must be made, and executed, to reduced the exposure, beginning with reduction at the source. Personal hearing protection should only be used as temporary measure, or as a last resort.
From a daily exposure level of 80 dB(A) appropriate and individual hearing protection must be available. The worker is obliged to use the hearing protection if the daily exposure level exceeds 85 dB(A). Effective education regarding noise and the use of hearing protection must be given. This must support acceptance and proper use and avoid problems with enforcement.
Under no circumstance a daily exposure level of 87 dB(A) may be exceeded. For this exposure limit level of 87 dB(A) the effect of hearing protection may be taken into account.

Noise survey & exposure measurement

A noise survey at the workplace has to be conducted if it is likely that the average exposure level exceeds 80 dB(A). The international standard ISO 6912 describes the way to conduct the survey on noise in workplaces.
ISO 6912 is accepted in all EU, and associated, countries.
Thus in all EU countries noise measurement at the workplace should be conducted in a similar way.
In large plants and rooms that are normally unmanned it is common to make noise maps instead.
Full text of the EU directive
Dutch Working Condition Decree text part regading noise and vibration.

Effects of noise

Excessive noise harms the hearing. The hearing organs are microscopic precision instruments which can, in cooperation with the powerful processor, our brains, discriminate and analyse complex signals. Hearing damage caused by noise is irreversible and has adverse effect on our ability to communicate and enjoy life. Damaged ears can lead to social isolation but also leads communication problems at work, and can even cause safety risks.
Noise levels which do not directly threaten our hearing can, and frequently do, harm performance at work: moderate noise levels can decrease concentration and communication and in the end harm the quality of the product or service.

A quiet working environment is not a luxury, its a quality.

Excessive noise not only affects the health of the employees, it also affects their attitude and their performance. In this way high noise levels are relevant to the quality of the product. This insight may change your ideas about the costs of noise reduction.
EU portal on noise at work

We also offer investigation on vibration exposure at work.