Glossary · Hazards and harm
Noise hazard
In machine safety, a noise hazard is a hazard arising from sound levels that can damage hearing or impair communication, including the perception of acoustic warning signals.
- Machine safety
- Technical documentation
- EU
In one sentence
A noise hazard from machinery can damage hearing and mask alarms; manufacturers must reduce it by design and declare noise emissions.
Example
A stamping press emits high impulse noise; the manufacturer fits a sound enclosure and states the declared noise emission values in the operating manual.
How it applies
- Machine safety: Reduce noise at the source by design (enclosures, damping, gentler impacts) before relying on hearing protection. Noise can also mask acoustic alarms and spoken warnings.
- EU: The machinery legislation requires information on airborne noise emission in the instructions: Directive 2006/42/EC until January 20, 2027, and the Machinery Regulation from that date.
- Technical documentation: Give emission values together with the measurement conditions and the method used, and state when hearing protection is required. See information for use.
- Evidence: Keep measurement reports with the technical file, and update the values when the machine or its operating conditions change.
Noise hazard vs. vibration hazard
Noise is transmitted through the air. A vibration hazard is transmitted through contact with the machine, its handles, seats or floor.