[The principles and applied aspects concerning the prediction and prevention of noise damage under current regulations].

Abstract

From a comparison between the present Italian regulations and the main international guidelines regarding the assessment and prevention of effects of industrial noise, three main aspects emerge: firstly, the aims of the regulations (i.e. the characteristics and levels of hearing handicap to be prevented); secondly, the models for evaluating the probability of hearing loss; lastly, the limit values and the preventive measures adopted. The Italian regulations with respect to the ISO, ACGIH, NIOSH guidelines and regulations of other European countries, do not supply any precise indications regarding the aforementioned aspects. As a consequence, measures must be adopted to prevent any type of hearing impairment and the level of the noise has to be reduced to the minimum by acting on the environment, machinery and using individual protective devices.