OCCUPATIONAL
NOISE
The
normal ongoing activities at a workplace should not cause noise
levels in excess of the limits set by the National Occupational
Health & Safety Commission's National Standard for Occupational
Noise (NOHSC:1007 (1993)). The objective of a Occupational Noise
policy should be to achieve compliance with the Worksafe Australia
Standard for Occupational Noise. The National Standard for exposure
to noise in the workplace is an average daily level of 85 decibels (A
- weighted). For peak noise incidents, the National Standard is 140
decibels (peak linear level). These levels are defined as the maximum
acceptable levels for noise. The objective should be to reduce noise
exposures wherever practical.
EMPLOYERS'
RESPONSIBILITIES
Employers'
responsibilities are in accordance with the Standard to ensure that:
-
statutory requirements are complied with.
-
a noise control policy and program of action are developed.
-
all levels of management and employees are aware of the
control measures to reduce exposure to noise.
-
all employees are encouraged to cooperate in using agreed
safe work practices; information on noise, the risks of exposure to
noise and the appropriate control measures are disseminated in a manner
appropriate to the workplace.
-
a comprehensive personal hearing protection program,
including the selection of personal hearing protectors, and instruction
of employees in their correct use and maintenance, is implemented.
-
employees receive appropriate training and education when
it is required.
EMPLOYEES'
RESPONSIBILITIES
Employees'
responsibilities in accordance with the Standard are to comply with
all statutory requirements and established workplace procedures, and
cooperate, as far as they are capable, in all activities which have
as their objective the protection of hearing at work and the
minimisation of occupational noise-induced hearing loss.
NOISE
CONTROL
The
requirements to meet the objectives of the Standard are an essential
and integral component of:
-
the design brief for new and refurbished buildings.
-
the specification of new plant and equipment.
-
the contracts for works and services.
-
the design of all university academic and other ongoing
activities.