Glossary Updates12 new terms added to the glossaries · October 2, 2026, 22:44 CEST
AI TechDocKnowledge

Glossary · Hazards and harm

Noise hazard

In machine safety, a noise hazard is a hazard arising from sound levels that can damage hearing or impair communication, including the perception of acoustic warning signals.

  • Machine safety
  • Technical documentation
  • EU

In one sentence

A noise hazard from machinery can damage hearing and mask alarms; manufacturers must reduce it by design and declare noise emissions.

Example

A stamping press emits high impulse noise; the manufacturer fits a sound enclosure and states the declared noise emission values in the operating manual.

How it applies

  • Machine safety: Reduce noise at the source by design (enclosures, damping, gentler impacts) before relying on hearing protection. Noise can also mask acoustic alarms and spoken warnings.
  • EU: The machinery legislation requires information on airborne noise emission in the instructions: Directive 2006/42/EC until January 20, 2027, and the Machinery Regulation from that date.
  • Technical documentation: Give emission values together with the measurement conditions and the method used, and state when hearing protection is required. See information for use.
  • Evidence: Keep measurement reports with the technical file, and update the values when the machine or its operating conditions change.

Noise hazard vs. vibration hazard

Noise is transmitted through the air. A vibration hazard is transmitted through contact with the machine, its handles, seats or floor.

By knowledge.aitechdoc.world · Published September 25, 2026 · Last reviewed

Source: AI TechDoc Knowledge editorial definition, based on ISO 12100:2010, Safety of machinery — General principles for design — Risk assessment and risk reduction

Definitions follow the cited standards and specifications. Where a source is a copyrighted publication, such as an ISO, IEC or EN standard, the definition is a close paraphrase, not a verbatim quotation, so as not to infringe copyright. We recommend reading the original publication. The sections “How it applies” are editorial commentary by AI TechDoc Knowledge and are not part of any standard.

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