Chapter III: Risk assessment

The employer shall assess and, if necessary, measure the noise levels to which workers are exposed. The purpose of this assessment and measurement is: 1° To determine the physical parameters defined in article R. 4431-1 ; 2° To establish whether, in a given situation, the exposure values set in article R. 4431-2 are exceeded.

The assessment of noise levels and, if necessary, their measurement are planned and carried out by competent persons, with the assistance, where appropriate, of the occupational health service. They are carried out at appropriate intervals, particularly when a change in installations or working methods is likely to lead to an increase in noise levels. If measurements are taken, they are repeated at least every five years.

The results of the assessment of noise levels and measurements are kept in a form that allows them to be consulted for a period of ten years.

The results of the measurements are communicated to the occupational physician so that they can be kept with the medical file of exposed workers. They are made available to the members of the social and economic committee. They are also made available, at their request, to the Labour Inspectorate or to agents of the prevention departments of social security bodies and the professional bodies for health, safety and working conditions…

When carrying out the risk assessment, the employer shall take into account the following elements: 1° The level, type and duration of exposure, including any exposure to impulsive noise; 2° The exposure limit values and the exposure values triggering preventive action laid down in Chapter I; 3° Any impact on the health and safety of workers who are particularly sensitive to this risk, in particular pregnant women; 4° Taking into…

Where the results of the risk assessment reveal risks to the health or safety of workers, the employer shall determine the measures to be taken in accordance with Articles R. 4432-3 and R. 4434-6, as well as the provisions of Chapters IV and V. The employer shall consult the Social and Economic Committee for this purpose.

A joint order by the ministers for labour and agriculture specifies the conditions for measuring noise levels.