A distinction is made between disturbing noise (i.e. a printer on a desk) and noise causing hearing damage, i.e. noise above an exposure level of 85 dB(A). A noise exposure level of 85 dB(A) exists if speaking at a normal volume the message is just understandable at a distance of one meter. A list of workers exposed to noise has to be drawn up as these have to be examined at regular intervals. The Regulation relating to Exposure to Noise and Vibrations (Verordnung Lärm und Vibrationen, VOLV) defines exposure limit values (Section 3), trigger values in general (Section 4) and trigger values for certain rooms (Section 5). See also: Sound Volume
