Respecting noise limits at music and other events.

Details

• Source: Noise standards for music activities – Flemish Government
• Organization: Flemish Government — VLAREM regulations
• For whom: Entrepreneurs, stallholders, DJs and other organizers who work with electronically amplified music at an event
• What is it? A practical checklist for managing sound levels during an event and limiting hearing damage and noise nuisance
• Subject: Noise limits, measurements, music permits and hearing protection

Why is this important?

Are you working at an event with a DJ, live performance, stage, sound system or other electronically amplified music? Then you must control the sound level. Music that is too loud can cause hearing damage and create noise nuisance for the surrounding area. A stall or stage may also be covered by the organizer’s arrangements.

Checklist before and during every event

1. Know the event rules

2. Respect the maximum sound levels

Always follow the standard set out in the specific permit. Common practical guideline values are:

• a maximum of 95 dB(A) LAeq,15min: the average sound level over 15 minutes;
• or a maximum of 102 dB(A) LAmax,slow: the highest level according to the slow measurement setting;
• keep the difference LCeq – LAeq below 15 dB to limit the bass, measured approximately 2 metres in front of the speakers;
• additional limits may apply at the edge of the site, for example 75 dB(A) or 85 dB(C).

These values are not a licence to ignore the permit or local conditions. If the permit specifies a stricter standard, that stricter standard applies.

3. Measure continuously and record the data

Measure the sound level throughout the event, or use a correctly configured sound limiter when this is permitted under the permit and regulations.

• Use a suitable class 2 measuring device that measures and records the sound level.
• Position the measurement microphone so that it is not shielded from the sound.
• Make sure the device cannot be easily tampered with.
• Place the measurement microphone at approximately 1.5 to 3 metres high, at the mixing desk and between the audience and the speakers.
• Make sure the sound level is continuously visible.
• Assign someone on your team to monitor the measurement and adjust the volume immediately when necessary.
• Always keep the measurement point and the device accessible to the police and inspectors.

4. Provide free earplugs

Make sure visitors can take disposable earplugs freely and free of charge. Do not ask for a deposit: visitors should be able to use the earplugs without any barrier.

Place the earplugs somewhere visible and easy to reach, for example at the entrance, at the bar or next to the measurement point.

5. Appoint someone responsible

Someone must always be present and reachable during the event who can lower the volume. Agree clearly in advance who will take on this responsibility and how that person can be reached.

Follow instructions from the police or inspectors immediately. Make sure the person responsible can operate the sound system and the limiter.

Additional points to consider

• Start at the right level immediately. Starting too loudly raises your 15-minute average. Turning the volume down afterwards does not undo the earlier average.
• Be careful in enclosed or metal spaces. Sound reflects strongly there and bass can build up. As a result, you can exceed the limit more quickly than you would expect based on the volume at the mixing desk.
• Test before opening the doors. Check the measurement setup, the visibility of the device, the recording and the operation of the limiter.
• Keep the records. Keep the permit, measurement data and agreements with the organizer in accordance with the applicable rules.

Frequently asked questions

Does the organizer’s permit automatically cover my stall or stage?

Not necessarily. Ask explicitly whether your sound source is covered by the permit and which limits apply to your location.

Can I simply turn down the volume later if I started too loudly?

Not without consequences. Starting too loudly affects the 15-minute average. That is why you should start at the right level immediately.

What must I show during an inspection?

Make sure the music permit is available at the measurement point. Also make the measurement point and measuring device accessible to the police and inspectors.

Are these the same noise limits everywhere?

No. The specific standard may vary depending on the location, the nature and frequency of the event, the permitted sound level and the local permit. Always check the conditions that apply to your event.

Practical links

• Frequently asked questions about noise standards for music activities – Flemish Government
• Flowchart of the VLAREM regulations for activities with electronically amplified music

Related article

• Music at your pop-up, event or in your shop: licence via Unisono (Sabam) + free simulation