[Factory noise]

Regulations dealing with noise and vibration are examined in the light of general precepts on safeguarding the physical health of workers to be found in the Civil Code, the workers' charter and, i.e. those included in the prevention of accidents at work legislation, that dealing with health in the work environment, and the recent national health service law. A brief account is also given of the approach taken by the courts to the disputed question of the evaluation of damage to the hearing, and maximum noise acceptability levels. Reference is also made to a personal study of the risks imposed by occupational exposure to noise. Lastly, an explanation is proffered of the criminal and tortious liability of manufacturers and sellers of machines and equipment whose noise levels are harmful to those who use them.