Working Within Safe Noise Exposure Limits

Roxayne WestHealth & Safety, Risk Management

In accordance with the WHS Act, a PCBU must manage risks relating to hearing loss associated with noise as part of their duty of care requirements.  This includes ensuring that the noise that a worker is exposed to does not exceed the prescribed exposure standards.

Audiometric testing is to be conducted for workers who are frequently required to use personal protective equipment.  Audiometric testing must be conducted:

  1. Within 3 months of the worker commencing the work, and
  2. In any event, at least every 2 years.

A Hearing Conservation Program is an effective way to management of noise within a workplace.  The hearing conservation program consists of four steps:

  • Monitoring of noise levels,
  • Audiometric Testing,
  • Hearing protection, and
  • Education and Training.