Noise risk

Noise is sound, usually uneven, considered unpleasant.

High-pitched and low-pitched sounds differ for their frequency, i.e. the number of oscillations or vibrations per unit of time [Hertz – Hz].

Soft and loud sounds differ for their intensity, i.e. the pressure that a sound wave exerts on our ear, which is measured in decibels dB(A).

Example: A normal conversation is between 60 and 70 dB(A).

Frequency and intensity characterise noise risk.

Loud noises can tear the eardrum, but hearing loss may occur even due to prolonged exposure to 80 dB(A), which is the lower action value.

Legislative Decree 81/08, Title VIII, Chapter II, lays down minimum requirements for the protection of workers from risks to their health – particularly hearing – and safety arising from exposure to noise at work. Three risk categories are identified. The Decree sets out technical, organisational and procedural measures, as well as the training/information and protection actions to be taken depending on the level of exposure.

Exposure is possible in physics laboratories and in workshops, when using agricultural machinery and in certain field trials.

Preventive and protective measures aim to reduce exposure to a minimum, and in any case to a level that does not affect the health and safety of workers.

A careful risk assessment based on the analysis of working time and methods is the first and most important preventive and protective measure.

The risk assessment informs preventive and protective measures, the most important of which are:

• Use of other working methods which eliminate or reduce exposure to noise;
• The choice of appropriate work equipment, including work equipment which, taking account of the work to be done, emits the least possible noise;
• Adequate information and training to instruct employees to use work equipment in order to reduce their exposure to noise to a minimum;
• Reduction of air­borne noise, by use of shields, enclosures and sound absorbent coverings;
• Reduction of structure-borne noise, by damping or isolation;
• Appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, workplaces and workplace systems;
• Organisation of work to reduce noise by limiting the duration and intensity of the exposure and arranging appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods.
• The choice of appropriate work equipment, including work equipment which, taking account of the work to be done, emits the least possible noise;
•  Adequate information and training to instruct employees to use work equipment in order to reduce their exposure to noise to a minimum;
• Reduction of air­borne noise, by use of shields, enclosures and sound absorbent coverings;
• Reduction of structure-borne noise, by damping or isolation;
• Appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, workplaces and workplace systems;
• Organisation of work to reduce noise by limiting the duration and intensity of the exposure and arranging appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods.