Noise Regulations
Workplace Noise regulations are governed by NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation). As well as requirements for general risk and workplace management there are specific regulations relating to noise (Workplace Noise Regulations).
A Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) at a workplace must manage risks to health and safety relating to hearing loss associated with noise. This includes ensuring that workers are not exposure to levels greater than the exposure standard [Clause 57].
The Workplace Noise Regulation requires exposure levels to be less than LAeq, 8hr of 85 dB(A) and LC,peak of 140 dB(C). These compliance noise levels require being determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.1:2005 Occupational noise management – Measurements and assessment of noise immission and exposure.
Audiometric testing is required by the Workplace Noise Regulation for those that are frequently required to use protectively personal protective equipment to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss. This specific regulation associated with audiometric testing is due to potentially ineffective hearing protection, particularly in-ear hearing protection. This is to identify workers at risk and intervene to reduce the risk of irreversible hearing loss. The Workplace Noise Regulation requires audiometric testing to be conducted within 3 months of the working commencing the excessive noise related work and at intervals not exceeding two years.
The Workplace Noise Regulation also includes requirements for designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers of plant and equipment. This includes ensuring that noise levels produced are as low as reasonably practicable. The regulation requires information about the noise levels to be provided to the workplace that it will be operating.
For more information about workplace noise regulations, please contact one of the occupational hygienists at Safe Environments on 02 9624 2600 or visit our dedicated website http://www.noisetesting.info/noise-identification/.
Noise News
Occupational Noise Assessments NoiseTesting.info - 28 April 2012
Safe Environments have released its dedicated website to noise testing and consulting services which can be found at www.NoiseTesting.info. The new website seeks to provide clear, transparent and objective information for employers, OHS professionals and workers alike to reduce potential health risks associated with noise exposure.
Workplace Noise Testing - 10 January 2012
Noise testing first requires a preliminary assessment to determine if sound levels are likley to exceed 85 dBA over the working day. This is conducted in line with AS/NZS 1269.1:2005 Occupational noise management – Measurements and assessment of noise immission and exposure Read more>>>
Occupational Noise Assessments - 26 August 2011
Safe Environments Occupational Hygienists provide occupational noise assessments to AS/NZS 1269. The noise testing measures sound levels and assesses exposure and provides control strategies to ensure the risk of noise induced hearing loss is minimised. Read more>>>