Hearing protection checklist for the workplace
What do you need to arrange as an employer when noise at work goes above 80 dB(A)? This checklist sets it all out, from noise measurement and the risk inventory and evaluation (RI&E) to information, willingness to wear and replacement. Download the PDF, print it and tick off with your prevention officer what is already in place.
What is in the checklist?
Six sections with checklist items, spread over three pages. Each item shows the article from the Dutch Working Conditions Act (Arbowet) or the Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit), so you can see straight away where it comes from.
Measuring noise and tackling it at the source
Noise measurement and RI&E, who measures and when to measure again, and what belongs in the action plan. Then quieter machines, shielding and shorter exposure come first. Hearing protection is the last step.
Choosing and explaining hearing protection
Suitable and properly fitted, with attenuation that matches the measurement. Plus the eight topics for the information session and the signs of hearing damage to discuss in a toolbox talk.
Wearing, checking and replacing
Who keeps an eye on it, how you deal with complaints about comfort and why a fixed storage place helps. And the hearing test, maintenance, replacement and what to do if 87 dB(A) is exceeded after all.
Download the checklist
Three A4 pages with tick boxes, an action list and a list of sources. Handy to print and go through together with HR, the prevention officer or the works council.
How to use the checklist
Go through it together
Go through the checklist with the people who know the work, such as the prevention officer, a supervisor from the shop floor and someone from the works council or the staff representatives. Tick off what is already in place and put open items on the action list with a name and a date.
The checklist does not replace a noise measurement or an RI&E. It shows whether the steps from the Working Conditions Decree (Arbobesluit) have been taken. Have measurements carried out or checked by an expert or your occupational health service (arbodienst).
More background on the law
Want to know exactly what the Working Conditions Act and the Working Conditions Decree say about noise, who pays for the hearing protection and when a hearing test is needed? You can read that in our article on the Working Conditions Act and hearing protection at work.
Where custom earplugs help
The Working Conditions Decree requires suitable, properly fitted hearing protectors. Custom earplugs are made from an impression of the wearer's ear. If 10 or more people work at your company, we take the impressions on site. Smaller teams have their ear impressions taken at a partner hearing centre.
You choose the filter per workplace, such as DI for construction and industry or DIM as a level-dependent filter for impulse noise. From 10 pairs, your own logo can go on the earplugs, so everyone recognises their own pair.
Questions about the checklist
Is this checklist mandatory?
No. The obligations are set out in the Working Conditions Act and the Working Conditions Decree. The checklist lists them, with the article for each item. That way you quickly see what still needs to be done.
Does the checklist replace a noise measurement?
No. Whether the noise goes above 80, 85 or 87 dB(A) follows from the assessment and measurement in the RI&E. You have that carried out or checked by an expert or the occupational health service. The checklist helps you arrange the steps after that.
Who is the checklist for?
For employers, prevention officers, HR and managers in companies where noise can be a risk, such as construction, industry, logistics and food and pharma.
Can you help with custom hearing protection?
Yes. From 10 employees, we take the ear impressions on site. Smaller teams have their ear impressions taken at a partner hearing centre. The custom earplugs are ready about three weeks after the ear impressions are taken.