French Public Health Code
In forceI. - The provisions of this chapter apply to places open to the public or receiving the public, whether enclosed or open, hosting activities involving the broadcasting of amplified sound, the sound level of which exceeds the equal energy rule based on the value of 80 equivalent A-weighted decibels over 8 hours.
II. - The operator of the venue, the producer, the broadcaster who under a contract has been given responsibility for public safety, or the person legally responsible for the venue for the activity taking place there, is required to comply with the following requirements:
1° Not to exceed, at any time and in any place accessible to the public, the equivalent continuous sound pressure levels of 102 A-weighted decibels over 15 minutes and 118 C-weighted decibels over 15 minutes.
Where these activities involving the broadcasting of amplified sound are specifically intended for children up to the age of six, these sound pressure levels must not exceed 94 A-weighted decibels over 15 minutes and 104 C-weighted decibels over 15 minutes;
2° Continuously record the A- and C-weighted decibel sound levels to which the public is exposed and keep these recordings;
3° Continuously display near the public address control system the A- and C-weighted decibel sound levels to which the public is exposed;
4° Inform the public about hearing risks;
5° Provide the public, free of charge, with individual hearing protection adapted to the type of public attending the premises;
6° To create zones of rest for hearing or, failing that, to provide periods of rest for hearing, during which the noise level does not exceed the rule of equal energy based on the value of 80 equivalent A-weighted decibels over 8 hours.
With the exception of discotheques, the provisions of 2° and 3° are only required for venues with a capacity of more than 300 people.
With the exception of festivals, the provisions of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5° and 6° only apply to places where amplified sound is regularly broadcast.
The provisions of 2°, 3°, 4°, 5° and 6° do not apply to cinematographic establishments and establishments providing specialised or higher education in artistic creation.
An order of the ministers responsible for health, the environment and culture specifies the conditions for implementing the provisions mentioned in 1° to 6°.
