SECTION II

OBLIGATIONS OF EMPLOYERS

Determination and assessment of risks
Article 4
1
In carrying out the obligations laid down in Articles 6(3) and 9(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall assess and, if necessary, measure the levels of noise to which workers are exposed.
2
The methods and apparatus used shall be adapted to the prevailing conditions particularly in the light of the characteristics of the noise to be measured, the length of exposure, ambient factors and the characteristics of the measuring apparatus.
These methods and this apparatus shall make it possible to determine the parameters defined in Article 2 and to decide whether, in a given case, the values fixed in Article 3 have been exceeded.
3
The methods used may include sampling, which shall be representative of the personal exposure of a worker.
4
The assessment and measurement referred to in paragraph 1 shall be planned and carried out by competent services at suitable intervals, taking particular account of the provisions of Article 7 of Directive 89/391/EEC concerning the necessary competent services or persons. The data obtained from the assessment and/or measurement of the level of exposure to noise shall be preserved in a suitable form so as to permit consultation at a later stage.
5
When applying this Article, the assessment of the measurement results shall take into account the measurement inaccuracies determined in accordance with metrological practice.
6
Pursuant to Article 6(3) of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall give particular attention, when carrying out the risk assessment, to the following:
a
the level, type and duration of exposure, including any exposure to impulsive noise;
b
the exposure limit values and the exposure action values laid down in Article 3 of this Directive;
c
any effects concerning the health and safety of workers belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups;
d
as far as technically achievable, any effects on workers' health and safety resulting from interactions between noise and work-related ototoxic substances, and between noise and vibrations;
e
any indirect effects on workers' health and safety resulting from interactions between noise and warning signals or other sounds that need to be observed in order to reduce the risk of accidents;
f
information on noise emission provided by manufacturers of work equipment in accordance with the relevant Community directives;
g
the existence of alternative work equipment designed to reduce the noise emission;
h
the extension of exposure to noise beyond normal working hours under the employer's responsibility;
i
appropriate information obtained following health surveillance, including published information, as far as possible;
j
the availability of hearing protectors with adequate attenuation characteristics.
7
The employer shall be in possession of an assessment of the risk in accordance with Article 9(1)(a) of Directive 89/391/EEC, and shall identify which measures must be taken in accordance with Articles 5, 6, 7 and 8 of this Directive. The risk assessment shall be recorded on a suitable medium, according to national law and practice. The risk assessment shall be kept up to date on a regular basis, particularly if there have been significant changes which could render it out of date, or when the results of health surveillance show it to be necessary.

Provisions aimed at avoiding or reducing exposure
Article 5
1
Taking account of technical progress and of the availability of measures to control the risk at source, the risks arising from exposure to noise shall be eliminated at their source or reduced to a minimum.
The reduction of such risks shall be based on the general principles of prevention set out in Article 6(2) of Directive 89/391/EEC, and take into account in particular:
a
other working methods that require less exposure to noise;
b
the choice of appropriate work equipment, taking account of the work to be done, emitting the least possible noise, including the possibility of making available to workers work equipment subject to Community provisions with the aim or effect of limiting exposure to noise;
c
the design and layout of workplaces and work stations;
d
adequate information and training to instruct workers to use work equipment correctly in order to reduce their exposure to noise to a minimum;
e
noise reduction by technical means:
1. reducing airborne noise, e.g. by shields, enclosures, sound-absorbent coverings;
2. reducing structure-borne noise, e.g. by damping or isolation;
f
appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems;
g
organisation of work to reduce noise:
1. limitation of the duration and intensity of the exposure;
2. appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods.
2
On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 4, if the upper exposure action values are exceeded, the employer shall establish and implement a programme of technical and/or organisational measures intended to reduce the exposure to noise, taking into account in particular the measures referred to in paragraph 1.
3
On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 4, workplaces where workers are likely to be exposed to noise exceeding the upper exposure action values shall be marked with appropriate signs. The areas in question shall also be delimited and access to them restricted where this is technically feasible and the risk of exposure so justifies.
4
Where, owing to the nature of the activity, a worker benefits from the use of rest facilities under the responsibility of the employer, noise in these facilities shall be reduced to a level compatible with their purpose and the conditions of use.
5
Pursuant to Article 15 of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall adapt the measures referred to in this Article to the requirements of workers belonging to particularly sensitive risk groups.

Personal protection
Article 6
1
If the risks arising from exposure to noise cannot be prevented by other means, appropriate, properly fitting individual hearing protectors shall be made available to workers and used by them in accordance with the provisions of Council Directive 89/656/EEC of 30 November 1989 on the minimum health and safety requirements for the use by workers of personal protective equipment at the workplace (third individual Directive within the meaning of Article 16(1) of Directive 89/391/EEC) and Article 13(2) of Directive 89/391/EEC and under the conditions set out below:
a
where noise exposure exceeds the lower exposure action values, the employer shall make individual hearing protectors available to workers;
b
where noise exposure matches or exceeds the upper exposure action values, individual hearing protectors shall be used;
c
the individual hearing protectors shall be so selected as to eliminate the risk to hearing or to reduce the risk to a minimum.
2
The employer shall make every effort to ensure the wearing of hearing protectors and shall be responsible for checking the effectiveness of the measures taken in compliance with this Article.

Limitation of exposure
Article 7
1
Under no circumstances shall the exposure of the worker as determined in accordance with Article 3(2) exceed the exposure limit values.
2
If, despite the measures taken to implement this Directive, exposures above the exposure limit values are detected, the employer shall:
a
take immediate action to reduce the exposure to below the exposure limit values;
b
identify the reasons why overexposure has occurred; and
c
amend the protection and prevention measures in order to avoid any recurrence.

Worker information and training
Article 8
Without prejudice to Articles 10 and 12 of Directive 89/391/EEC the employer shall ensure that workers who are exposed to noise at work at or above the lower exposure action values, and/or their representatives, receive information and training relating to risks resulting from exposure to noise concerning, in particular:
1. the nature of such risks;
2. the measures taken to implement this Directive in order to eliminate or reduce to a minimum the risks from noise, including the circumstances in which the measures apply;
3. the exposure limit values and the exposure action values laid down in Article 3 of this Directive;
4. the results of the assessment and measurement of the noise carried out in accordance with Article 4 of this Directive together with an explanation of their significance and potential risks;
5. the correct use of hearing protectors;
6. why and how to detect and report signs of hearing damage;
7. the circumstances in which workers are entitled to health surveillance and the purpose of health surveillance, in accordance with Article 10 of this Directive;
8. safe working practices to minimise exposure to noise.

Consultation and participation of workers
Article 9
Consultation and participation of workers and/or of their representatives shall take place in accordance with Article 11 of Directive 89/391/EEC on the matters covered by this Directive, in particular:
- the assessment of risks and identification of measures to be taken, referred to in Article 4,
- the actions aimed at eliminating or reducing risks arising from exposure to noise, referred to in Article 5,
- the choice of individual hearing protectors referred to in Article 6(1)(c).
OJ L 393, 30.12.1989, p. 18.