New sound standards in Brussels
From February 21 new sound standards will protect the public in Brussels. Our own Student council preceded the lawmakers on this issue: two years ago they’ve already implemented some preventive measures such as distributing free ear plugs and setting the decibel standards lower than what was still legally allowed at that moment.
At the VUB there are many activities for which amplified sound is necessary. Now we need to adapt various locations to the new standards.
A challenge for public health
Benoîte Millet, ENT-doctor: "The consequences of noises that are too loud can be dramatic: sudden loss of hearing, hearing disorders, tinnitus... People suffering from these symptoms should consult an ENT-doctor as soon as possible. There are drugs available which can help. Sometimes spontaneous recovery is possible. But at this moment there is no guarantee that the hearing capacity will recover completely, not even after a fast medical treatment.”
Every one out of two people at the age of twenty have already experienced some problems after having been exposed to loud noises: hearing loss, tinnitus, disturbed sleeping pattern… Thus the challenge is to protect the public from this. The new decree and accompanying Happy Ears campaign should inform the Brussels inhabitants and protect them against hearing disorders. It sets out a clear framework with maximum levels to be respected.
Three levels of amplified sounds
From now on the maximum level for amplified sound without any requirement is 85 decibels A or dB(A). Two exceptions allow volumes of 95 dB(A) and 100 dB(A). When the volume gets higher, the more measures are to be taken to protect the public. By all means the average sound level has to remain below 100 dB(A), because above that threshold the risk for hearing impairment becomes very real.
Inform and protect
The Happy Ears icons at the entrance of the party locations allow you to see at one glance if the sound level goes above 85 dB(A). The colour varies according the maximum sound level inside. Tickets and posters for activities where amplified sound is used have to carry the icon of a decibel meter in the right colour.
When the level goes above 85dB(A) inside the venue, a screen has to display the volume in real time When the noise goes over 95 dB(A) free earplugs and a break room are compulsory. At the VUB only in the marquee and the future KK concert hall such loud music will be allowed. Till the end of this year the Loungebar 1050 will function as a break room.
The new decree imposes the VUB to register the levels of the sounds used and to appoint a person of reference who will monitor the application of the regulations. Given the number of party locations the VUB installed a centralised system at AV-services through which the various locations can be monitored. An extra mobile system will be used for less popular venues such as the Mandela room or aula Q. On top of that three new sound limiters have been installed to prevent accidental surpassing of the allowed levels. When this would happen, the security agents will give an immediate warning to turn down the volume. After the second incident the party will be stopped at once. In the worst case, when authorities establish repeated surpassing of the standards fines can run into thousands of euros.