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Noise Control and Hearing Conservation in the Workplace

In the bustling work environments across Australia, one silent offender is often overlooked—noise.

While the jarring sounds of machinery and equipment are common in professions, the creeping threat these noise levels pose is often underestimated. With exposure standards set at 85 decibels (dB) over an eight-hour period, the risks are far from minor, and the statistics are sounding the alarm; approximately 1.1 million Aussie workers are exposed to hazardous noise levels capable of causing occupational hearing loss—a preventable affliction that remains all too prevalent.

Understanding the Risks of Occupational Noise

In Australia, there is growing recognition of the risks associated with occupational noise and the need for effective noise management in the workplace.

Noise hazards can arise from various sources, including:

The hum of machinery in manufacturing environments,
The roar of construction equipment, or
Even the constant background noise in busy offices.

Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to serious health issues such as hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and increased stress levels.

Businesses must identify and assess noise hazards in their work environments, implement control measures like noise-reducing equipment, and ensure employees are provided hearing protection where necessary. Proper noise management not only protects workers’ health but also enhances productivity by reducing distractions and improving communication in the workplace.

Identifying Common Noise Hazards in Australian Workplaces

Common noise sources vary widely across different industries; however, each can significantly impact worker health if not properly managed.

From the loud operations in mining sectors that easily hover around 85 to 90 dB, to bustling factory floors often exceeding these levels, identifying these sound environments is the first step towards mitigation. Specific case studies, like those found through Spire Safety’s consultancy services, illustrate the breadth of noise hazards businesses must navigate.

READ Workplace Noise Rispects: Understand the Dangers In Australia

Decibels and Danger

A decibel (dB) is a logarithmic unit of measurement used to express the intensity of sound or the power of a signal, where each 10 dB increase represents a tenfold increase in intensity.

Decibels become harmful to hearing when exposure exceeds 85 dB for extended periods, with the risk of hearing damage increasing significantly at higher levels, especially above 120 dB, which can cause immediate harm.

Exposure to high decibel levels can cause several types of harm to hearing and overall health, including:

The Hierarchy of Noise Control Measures

Utilising the hierarchy of controls is a structured approach used to minimise and manage noise hazards in the workplace. It prioritises the most effective methods of control to protect workers’ health. Below are some examples of the hierarchy of control implementation:

Elimination
o Eradicate the noise source (e.g., redesign processes or machinery to eliminate the noise).
Substitution
o Replace noisy equipment or materials with quieter alternatives.
Engineering Controls
o Install sound barriers or enclosures around noisy equipment.
o Use vibration-dampening or noise-absorbing materials to reduce sound levels.
o Isolate the noise source to minimise exposure.
Administrative Controls
o Implement changes to work schedules to limit the duration of exposure.
o Rotate workers to minimise the time spent in noisy areas.
o Restrict access to noisy areas to only those who need to be there.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
o Provide hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs when other controls are not sufficient.
o Ensure workers use PPE properly and consistently to reduce the risk of hearing damage.

Audiological Effects of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a biological consequence of prolonged exposure to harmful noise levels, particularly when the noise exceeds 85 decibels.

The hair cells in the inner ear, which are responsible for transmitting sound signals to the brain, can be damaged or destroyed by high noise levels, leading to permanent hearing loss.

READ Guide to Selecting Appropriate Hearing Protection In Australia

Initially, this damage often affects the higher-frequency sounds, making it difficult to understand speech, especially in noisy environments. Over time, as the exposure continues, the damage can become more severe, potentially leading to a total loss of hearing.

Adhering to the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice

To combat the prevalence of industrial hearing loss, noted in about 15% of Australians, adherence to the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice is necessary. This code outlines the necessity of choosing and maintaining workplace hearing protection according to the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002.

Innovative Noise Reduction Strategies and Technologies

Australia continues to tackle the challenge of workplace noise. There has been an impressive uptake in innovative noise reduction tactics, including applications of noise-cancelling technologies, which reshape the soundscape of workplaces.

Proactive implementation of noise control technologies is evident in equipment modification and workplace layout alterations, all measures striving to minimise noise at its source.

FAQ

What are the noise exposure standards in Australian workplaces?

Australian noise exposure standards stipulate that workplace noise levels should not exceed 85 decibels (dB) over an 8-hour period to minimise the risk of hearing damage among employees.

How are common noise hazards identified in Australian workplaces?

Common noise hazards in Australian workplaces are identified by recognising activities and equipment that produce noise levels above 70dB, which can harm hearing, particularly those that exceed 85dB, the standard threshold for potentially hazardous noise.

What does an effective workplace noise management plan involve?

An effective workplace noise management plan involves:

Identifying noise hazards,
Implementing noise reduction strategies,
Ensuring compliance with noise exposure limits, and
Promoting hearing conservation through the use of personal protective equipment and regular hearing assessments.

WHS Safety Consultancy Australia

Workplace Noise Control and Hearing Conservation In Australia