When does a work area have to be a noise zone?

Short answer: when the noise level reaches an 8-hour rating level of 85 dBA, or a peak of 137 dBC. If the people there are also exposed to ototoxic chemical agents, or to whole-body vibration above the action level, the trigger drops to 82 dBA or 135 dBC. The area must then be designated and clearly demarcated, and nobody may enter it without effective hearing protection worn correctly.

The rule is in regulation 11 of the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024, published as Government Notice 5953 in Government Gazette 52226 on 6 March 2025. The regulations took effect on publication and replaced the Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, 2003, which were repealed on 6 September 2026.

The two triggers

Regulation 11(1) requires the employer to designate and clearly demarcate a workplace, or part of one, as a noise zone where the noise level is at or above:

• The noise-rating limit: an 8-hour rating level of 85 dBA for continuous noise, or a peak noise level of 137 dBC for impulse noise.

• The noise action level, with concomitant exposure: an 8-hour rating level of 82 dBA, or a peak of 135 dBC, where people are also exposed to ototoxic chemical agents and/or to whole-body vibration that exceeds the action level in the Physical Agents Regulations.

The lower trigger is the one most easily missed. An area measured at 83 dBA does not have to be a noise zone on its own, but it does if the people working there are also exposed to ototoxic chemical agents, such as some solvents, or to whole-body vibration above the action level.

Mobile plant counts too. Regulation 11(2) applies the same triggers to plant and machinery without a fixed location, such as forklifts, loaders, mobile compressors and generators. If a machine reaches the trigger, the machine itself must be designated and clearly demarcated as a noise zone.

What demarcation looks like in practice

The regulations do not say how a zone must be marked. The explanatory notes published with them, which are guidance rather than law, say signs should be clearly visible and legible. In practice:

• Signs at every entrance: where people see them before they walk in.

• Visible boundaries: floor markings or barriers where a zone ends in open floor space.

• Protection at the entrance: regulation 12(2)(d) requires hearing protective devices (HPDs) to be readily available to exposed persons.

• Marked machines: for mobile plant, the marking goes on the machine, because the machine is the zone.

Who may enter, and what follows

Regulation 11(3) is short: "The employer must not allow any person to enter or remain in a noise zone unless effective HPDs are worn correctly." That covers employees, contractors, visitors, managers and auditors. There is no exception for short visits, because the zone is defined by the noise level in the area, not by how long anyone stays.

Regulation 12(2)(a) sets the target: HPDs must reduce exposure to below the noise-rating limit, or below the noise action level where the lower trigger applies. Our guide to choosing hearing protection covers selection and fit.

A noise zone also sets the scope of hearing tests: the Code of Practice for Audiometry requires screening audiometry for all employees who are to be employed in, or are employed in, a noise zone.

Demarcation alone is not enough. Regulation 10 still requires exposure to be eliminated, or reduced with engineering and administrative controls, where reasonably practicable.

How a noise survey maps the zones

Zone boundaries come from measurement. Where the risk assessment indicates exposure at or above the limits, regulation 8 requires monitoring by an approved noise inspection authority, with area monitoring as contemplated in SANS 10083. See how often a noise survey must be done for the intervals.

Regulation 7(4) requires the risk assessment to be reviewed forthwith after a change in work methods, plant and machinery, the type of work or control measures. A new machine or a relocated line can turn a quiet walkway into a noise zone.

A quick self-check

• Walk the site with your latest noise survey report and check that every area at or above 85 dBA is demarcated.

• List the areas between 82 and 85 dBA, and check whether the people there are exposed to ototoxic chemicals or whole-body vibration above the action level.

• Check your mobile plant: any machine that reaches the trigger must be marked as a noise zone.

• Confirm that HPDs are available at each zone entrance for visitors and contractors, not only employees.

• Compare the people who work in noise zones with your audiometry list.

How Qualitas can help

Qualitas Occupational Consulting is a Department of Employment and Labour Approved Inspection Authority and a SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17020) inspection body for asbestos, lead, noise and hazardous chemical agents. Our noise surveys measure 8-hour rating levels per area and task, show where each noise zone starts and ends, and recommend practical ways to reduce the noise, in a report written for management, SHEQ teams and auditors.

Where people in noisy areas also work with solvents or other chemicals, read our article on ototoxic chemicals and the 82 dBA action level.

Not sure what your site needs? Start with our free Compliance Gap Analysis, request a quote, or call or WhatsApp 082 649 6599.

This article summarises the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 (Government Notice 5953, Government Gazette 52226, 6 March 2025) for general guidance. It is not legal advice; refer to the regulations for the full requirements.

Christo de Wet is a SAIOH-registered occupational hygienist with 15 years' experience and the founder of Qualitas Occupational Consulting.