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§ 23 Noise and acoustics

Facilities shall be designed so that no employees are exposed to noise that is harmful to hearing. Limit values for hazardous noise are for daily noise exposure LEX12h = 83 dB and for the peak sound pressure level LpC,peak = 130 dB.
Requirements shall be set for noise and acoustics in the individual areas based on planned manning and the functions that shall be safeguarded in the areas. The noise level and acoustics shall not preclude communication of significance to safety. The noise level in cabins, break rooms and recreation rooms shall be reduced as much as possible to contribute to necessary restitution and rest.
Section last changed: 01 January 2018

In order to prevent noise that is harmful to hearing as mentioned in the first subsection, the NORSOK S-002 standard Chapters 6.1, 6.3.1, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3 and A.5 in Annex A should be used for the design of facilities, with the following addition: during planning, consideration should be given to the fact that the use of ear protection is not a means of fulfilling the noise requirements, cf. Section 38 of the Activities Regulations.
In order to fulfil the requirements regarding noise in the individual areas as mentioned in the second subsection, the NORSOK S-002 standard Chapter 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, 8.2 and A.5 in Annex A should be used.
In order to fulfil the requirement relating to noise, the NORSOK U-100 standard Chapter 5.2.2.6 should be used for manned underwater operations.
With regard to sound insulation, the NORSOK S-002 standard Chapter 7.3, Table 1 should be used.
The Norwegian Shipowners' Association Norm for physical-chemical working environment on mobile facilities built before 1 August 1995 and operating on the Norwegian shelf (in Norwegian only) can be used as an alternative to NORSOK S-002 for the areas covered by the norm.