Applicable Requirements

1. WHS Regulations
2. Codes of Practice and Standards

Noise Causes Harm

Hearing loss can occur when someone is exposed to noise over time or it can occur suddenly if they are exposed to a very loud impact or explosive sound. When hair cells in the inner ear are destroyed, hearing loss can be permanent. Susceptibility to hearing damage and noise sensitivity varies among individuals, and exposure standards are set on the general population.

The WHS Regulations set the exposure standard for noise at an LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) and a peak noise level at 140 dB(C), which protects most but not all people. Therefore, workplace noise should be kept lower than exposure standards for noise as far as reasonably practicable.

Identifying Noise

Workers who are likely to be exposed to hazardous noise are required to wear hearing protection when operating or working near:

• Chainsaws
• Mobile plant fitted with warning devices (for example, reversing alarm)
• Transportable generator sets, rattle‐guns and impact guns
• Other equipment of a similar nature that generates hazardous noise

Hazardous noise must be identified by consulting workers, inspecting the workplace and reviewing information, such as:

• Information provided by manufacturers and suppliers about plant and equipment
• Measuring the noise
• Information about noise in the electrical industry (for example, Energy Networks Association), and Workers compensation claims for hearing loss

Noise must be identified in consultation with workers and their health and safety representatives. Refer NSW Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work, Appendix C, Page 44 for a noise hazard identification checklist.

Where it is not simple to assess noise (for example, by checking the manufacturer’s specifications for a rattle‐gun) a competent person will need to assess exposure. A competent person will be required to measure noise where levels change over time or where people are exposed to more than one source of noise.

Hierarchy of Controls

Warning signals

Workers must be able to hear warning signals above any other noise at the workplace. Warning signals need to be higher (at least 65 dB(A) and more than 15 dB(A)) greater than the background/ambient noise level at any position in the signal reception area. This is because evacuation alarms or mobile plant need to be heard above background/ambient noise. More detailed guidance on assessing the audibility of warning signals is available by speaking with a HSE Adviser.

Acoustic shock

Acoustic incidents are any sudden, unexpected loud noises, including crackles, hisses, whistles, shrieks or high‐pitched noises. The noises can be from faulty or damaged equipment or broadband interference when using analogue telephone systems. Acoustic shock can occur for example in the office, call centre and field‐based environments.

If an acoustic shock occurs, remove the headset immediately, then report the incident to the supervisor and SAP. Where symptoms are persistent or severe, refer the worker to a general practitioner and/or an audiologist for assessment and treatment of possible injury.

Ototoxic Substances

Exposure to some chemicals can result in hearing loss. These chemicals are known as ototoxic substances. Hearing loss is more likely to occur if a worker is exposed to both noise and ototoxic substances than if exposure is just to noise or ototoxic substances alone.

There are a small number of ototoxic chemicals that workers can be exposed to, which are present in some solvents, older light fittings and some cable joining activities. Solvents can be found at the oil facility and smaller amounts can be found in depots. Metals such as arsenic, lead and manganese may be found at worksites.

Ototoxic chemicals are managed in accordance with relevant safety data sheets. Other control measures such as isolation and local ventilation should be implemented to eliminate or reduce chemical exposures. Personal protective equipment should be used to prevent skin absorption and inhalation when other controls are insufficient.

Refer NSW Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work, Page 39 for details on Ototoxic Substances

Audiometric Testing

Audiometric testing for a worker if the worker is required to frequently use personal hearing protectors as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard.

Audiometric testing is conducted as part of employee onboarding, in order to establish a baseline as a reference for future audiometric test results.

Regular follow-up tests are carried out every two years. More frequent audiometric testing may be needed if exposures are at a high LAeq,8h, which is equal to or greater than 100 dB(A).

Hearing Test Requirements for NSW Workers & Employers

Qualified audiometric practitioners must assess hearing levels in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4 Occupational Noise Management ‐ Auditory Assessment. A noise assessment should be done in accordance with:

• AS/NZS 1269.1 Measurement and Assessment of Noise Emission and Exposure
• The assessment requirements provided in the Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work

Glossary

Audiometric Testing is testing and measurement of the hearing threshold levels of each ear of a person by means of pure tone air conduction threshold tests.

Competent Person is one who has accurately calibrated noise measuring instruments (such as an audiologist) and, through training and experience:

• Understands what is required by WHS Legislation for noise
• Knows how to check the performance of the instruments
• Knows how to take the measurements properly
• Can interpret the results of the noise measurements

Decibel (dB) is the unit for measuring sound levels.

Environmental noise is that composite of sounds arising from any internal or external sources individually and in combination, which, by its very nature, effects human beings to any degree. This noise may affect other than TasNetworks personnel, and may give rise to a complaint and/or offence.

Exposure standard for noise is defined in the WHS Regulations as an LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) or an LC, peak of 140 dB(C). There are two parts to the exposure standard for noise because noise can either cause gradual hearing loss over a period of time or be so loud that it causes immediate hearing loss.