Purpose
The purpose of this procedure is to provide guidelines and information to effectively manage exposure to noise risks within our company.
Scope
This procedure applies to all workers of our company and visitors including contractors, subcontractors, an employee of a contractor or subcontractor, an employee of a labour-hire company, an outworker, apprentice or trainee, volunteers, work experience students, and clients.
Policy Statement
Noise is unwanted sound which may cause damage to hearing. The amount of damage caused by noise depends on the total amount of exposure received over time.
Measurement of noise exposure is expressed as:
- The noise exposure for a work day in daily noise exposure level; and
- The ‘loudest noise’ which is called a peak level.
Exposure to a noise level of 85dB(A) over an eight hour period amounts to a daily noise exposure level of Long-term exposure to a daily noise exposure of less than 1 does not result in a permanent hearing loss.
Hearing Conservation
A Hearing Conservation Program sets out the ways to achieve goals for noise exposure levels. Management at all levels is to be committed to our company hearing conservation program. The program specifies that:
- All workplaces are to strive towards an exposure limited of 85dB(A). This means that workers unprotected ears are not exposed to noise levels above daily noise dose of 1 (i.e. 85dB(A) at 1 meter over the course of an 8-hour shift);
- Where it is not practical to ensure that the exposure limit is not above 85dB(A), appropriate control measures such as hearing protection are implemented;
- Noise assessments (surveys) are to be conducted on a five-yearly basis in all areas identified as noise exposure areas.
- Noise surveys are to be conducted on all new plant and equipment where there is a possibility of noise exposure (this may be given by the manufacturer);
- Noise assessments (surveys) are to be conducted on an annual basis for ageing plant and equipment if suspected to affect noise exposure to workers;
The noise levels are to be re-assessed if there is:
- installation, adjustment or removal of plant or equipment;
- any significant change in workload or equipment operating conditions;
- a change in building structure likely to affect noise levels; or
- modification of work practices affecting the length of time workers is exposed to noise.
- All new workers likely to work in identified noise exposure areas are to undergo pre-employment medicals that include audiometric testing by an appropriately trained and experienced person;
- In the absence of significant threshold shift or change in the work situation, it may be sufficient to receive ongoing audiometric testing annually.
- For specific noisy environments, plant and equipment, personal monitoring of the employees over a period of time needs to be considered;
- Workers are to be informed of the noise management program; and
- Management and the H&S Committee are to be kept informed of the outcome of noise surveys and audiometric testing to monitor and review the noise management program.
Noise Surveys
An initial noise survey using a sound level meter should be carried out to define existing and potential noise hazard areas, including plant and equipment. A noise survey should include:
- testing noise exposure levels within the work environment over a typical work cycle and relating this period (i.e. hourly, weekly, etc.) to an average daily exposure level (refer to MyHSEQ Noise Levels Generated by Plant);
- testing all plant, equipment and tools to ascertain their current noise levels;
- re-testing ageing plant and equipment; and
- be accompanied by a noise register at the completion of the testing, indicating the noise levels of the plant, equipment, tools and work areas.
- where noise measurements reveal that the daily exposure level at a work location exceeds the noise exposure limits specified in the program, noise control measures should be evaluated as part of the risk assessment and then implemented to limit or reduce exposure.
Noise surveys should be conducted at least every five years or whenever there is:
- installation, adjustment or removal of plant;
- any change in workload or equipment operating conditions likely to cause a significant change in noise levels;
- a change in building structure likely to affect noise levels; or
- Modification of working arrangements affecting the length of time workers are exposed to noise.
Risk Assessment
Where noise exposure has been identified as a hazard in the workplace, a risk assessment should be conducted to assess the extent of the risk and the appropriate control measures to be implemented. Identified control actions should be transferred to a Rectification Action Plan (RAP).
Always conduct a risk assessment before any controls are implemented and a risk assessment after the controls are implemented to ensure the risk has been reduced.
Noise Control Measures
When considering noise control measures to eliminate or reduce noise exposure in the workplace, the following options should be considered in order, from the most to least effective strategy. Refer to Noise Control Measures, for further information.
Hearing Protection Areas
Areas where noise levels are in excess of 85dB(A), as identified through noise surveys, are to be clearly defined and sign-posted as designated hearing protection areas using mandatory signage.
Workers and others must be able to recognise situations when personal hearing protectors are required. This will be achieved by:
- attaching prominent mandatory signs or warning notices to tools, equipment and plant (mobile and stationary) to show that personal hearing protectors must be worn when operating them;
- providing written and verbal instructions on how to recognise circumstances in which hearing protectors are needed; and
- Supervisor’s ensuring that exposed persons are wearing hearing protection provided.
- Signs used to identify these areas should conform to AS 1319:1994 Safety signs for the occupational environment.
Training and Education
Training should be provided to:
- those workers who may be exposed to hazardous noise or other agents that may contribute to hearing loss
- their managers and supervisors
- workplace health and safety committees and health and safety representatives
- those responsible for the purchase of plant, noise control equipment, personal hearing protectors and for the design, scheduling, organisation and layout of work.
The contents of the training program should include:
- the health and safety responsibilities of each party at the workplace
- how hearing can be affected by exposure to noise
- the detrimental effects hearing loss and tinnitus have on the quality of life, both at work and socially
- the tasks at the workplace that have the potential to give rise to hearing loss and the likely noise exposure level
- how to use noise control measures
- how to select, fit, wear, maintain and store personal hearing protectors
- how to report defects in hearing protectors and noise control equipment or raise any concerns regarding hazardous noise
- the purpose and nature of audiometric testing.
Audiometric Testing
Audiometric testing may be conducted for new workers by an appropriately trained and experienced person at the commencement of their employment. This would form part of their Pre-Placement Medical Examination. Any worker likely to be exposed to noise in excess of the current exposure standard is to undergo audiometric testing, as follows:
- An initial reference test;
- A second audiogram should be taken within 90 days of beginning work, as a comparison with the first test;
- Testing annually thereafter; and
- Records of the tests are to be kept confidential on the worker’s personal file.
- Results are to be given to workers within two (2) months of testing, together with a written explanation, in lay terms, of the results’ meaning and implications.
Specific Responsibilities
Supervisors are responsible for ensuring all workers under their control are aware of and comply with, the noise management procedure. Supervisors are to ensure that workers have been:
- Supplied with personal hearing protection;
- Instructed in the correct fitting and use of personal hearing protection; and
- Wearing personal hearing protectors when exposed to excessive noise (as determined through noise surveys and indicated through signage, procedures or warnings).
Workers are to:
- Follow any instructions given to them for health and safety in relation to noise and the use of noise management tools;
- Wear any PPE provided by their Supervisor or the Council, provided they have been properly trained in its use;
- Appropriately maintain PPE that has been provided to them for use;
- Obey the blue ‘Mandatory Signs’ where displayed;
- Always be aware of other persons in the near vicinity when using noisy tools and equipment and make them aware of the protective equipment to be used;
- Inform the supervisor if they have any concerns/problems; and
- Report hazards/risks in relation to noise management to their Supervisor.
Documents
- Time Exposure to dB(A) Levels
- Noise Control Measures Guide
- Noise Levels Generated By Plant Form
- Noise Register
Legislation
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
- COP Managing the Work Environment and Facilities 2011
Definitions
Daily Noise Exposure Level – is the summary of the various levels of noise experienced plus the time for which a person is exposed to each noise level throughout the working day.
Ear Muffs – are a device, which fits firmly over, and completely covers, the ears.
Ear Plugs – are a device, which fits into an ear canal.
Excessive Noise – is a level of noise above an 8-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level of 85dB(A) or continuous C-weighted peak sound pressure level of 140dB(C).
Noise Exposure – means the amount of sound energy the unprotected ear of a person is exposed to, given a Laeq, 8h or as Lpeak.
Noise-Induced Hearing Loss – means hearing impairment arising from exposure to excessive noise at work. An occupational noise-induced hearing loss is also commonly known as industrial deafness.
Sound – means small fluctuations in the air pressure that result in a wave capable of exciting in a listener the sensation of hearing.
Sound Level Meter (SLM) – is an instrument consisting of a microphone, amplifier and indicating device. The meter has a declared performance and is designed to measure a frequency-weighted and time-weighted value of the sound pressure level.
Sound Pressure Level (SPL) – means the relative magnitude, of sound pressure customarily expressed in decibels referenced to 20 Micro Pascals.
Supervisor – is a person involved in the management or control of a workplace (e.g. foreman, supervisor, the person in charge or leading hand).