Noise Protection Solutions and Devices

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Do hearing protectors reduce noise?

It is important to ensure hearing protection provides adequate protection and is worn at all times in noisy areas. Hearing protectors should not reduce noise exposure much below 75 dBA because of the problems of over-protection. The following factors need to be considered when selecting hearing protectors:

What is a noise control policy?

Noise control policy means a written policy, developed by the employer, in consultation with employees and/or employee representative(s) that should aim to minimize the generation and emission of noise from plant and/or processes and set goals for exposure to peak and daily noise exposure levels at work and strategies to achieve them.

Do employers have a duty to protect employees from noise?

Employers have a duty to protect the health and safety of their employees. This duty includes protecting employees from exposure to noise. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) set a noise exposure standard measured in units called decibels (dB).

Can loud noise damage your hearing?

Noise can damage your hearing if it’s too loud. Both sudden, loud noises, like an explosion, and constant, loud noise, like working near industrial machinery, can damage your hearing. Hearing damage includes permanent or temporary hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).

What sources of noise are covered by the Environment Protection Regulations 2021?

The Environment Protection Regulations 2021 cover specific sources of noise. Listed in the Regulations as ‘prescribed items’, these sources of noise range from electric power tools through to air conditioners. The Regulations also list the prohibited times for noise from these prescribed items.

How does a noise enforcement officer decide if noise is unreasonable?

Residential noise enforcement officers from your local council can investigate and decide whether noise is unreasonable. They consider: how often the noise occurs or whether the noise is unreasonable under the Environment Protection Regulations 2021. The Environment Protection Regulations 2021 cover specific sources of noise.

What is the exposure standard for noise?

The exposure standard for noise is defined in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 as L Aeq,8h of 85 dB (A) or an L C,peak of 140 dB (C). The Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work code of practice 2021 (PDF, 1.57 MB) outlines how to identify hazardous noise, your responsibilities and practical advice on how to keep workers safe.

What are unreasonable noise guidelines?

For information visit, Unreasonable noise guidelines. These guidelines give a comprehensive explanation of how the Environment Protection Act 2017 (section 25, section 166 and section 168) and the Environment Protection Regulations 2021 (Part 5.3, Division 3) apply to noise from commercial, industrial and trade premises.

What Is Noise Protection

1. https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/noise/overview
2. https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/hazardous-manual-tasks/hearing-personal-protective-equipment-ppe-the-facts
3. https://www.worksafe.vic.gov.au/noise-safety-basics
4. https://www.epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/environmental-information/noise/residential-noise/residential-noise-law
5. https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/safety-and-prevention/hazards/hazardous-exposures/noise
6. https://www.commerce.wa.gov.au/worksafe/noise

Noise Protection Information

1. https://www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/noise
2. https://www.vic.gov.au/safework/safework-general-module/noise