Conducting Preliminary Noise Assessments in the Workplace FNQ Safety Group

Outline What is noise? Measuring noise How noise affects hearing Exposure limits Hazard identification Equipment Calculating exposure Controls Further requirements FNQ Safety Group

What is noise? FNQ Safety Group

Measuring noise λ Length (metres) ϝ Frequency (Hz) Number of waves in a second I Amplitude/ Intensity (W/m2) largeness of wave p Pressure (Pa) Air pressure due to sound dB Sound pressure level FNQ Safety Group

How noise affects hearing FNQ Safety Group

Exposure limits 85 dB(A) is the highest allowable level of exposure over an 8 hour period before damage can occur 140 dB(C) and over can cause instant NIHL FNQ Safety Group

Exposure limits Avg dB Sound source 140 Jet engine at 30m 130 Rivet hammer 120 Rock drill 110 Chainsaw 100 Sheet metal workshop 90 Lawn mower 85 Front end loader 80 Kerbside heavy traffic 70 Loud conversation 60 Normal conversation 40 Quiet radio music 30 Whispering FNQ Safety Group

Hazard identification What workplaces may have exposure to excessive noise? FNQ Safety Group

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Measuring equipment Sound level meters Class 1 ± 0.7 dB FNQ Safety Group

Measuring equipment Sound level meters apps FNQ Safety Group

Measuring equipment Noise dosimeter FNQ Safety Group

Calculating exposure Is a noise sample over 85 dB(A) acceptable? FNQ Safety Group

Example Mary-Sue works in a factory processing line, and following a workplace noise assessment, it is found that she is exposed to the following noise levels during her work shift. Sound level dB(A) Time exposed 105 20 minutes 98 30 minutes 96 88 1 hour 80 75 FNQ Safety Group

Calculating exposure LAeq,8h is the weighted noise average for an 8 hour period Decibel scale is logarithmic (t1 x 10L1/10 + t2 x 10L2/10 + t3 x 10L3/10 etc.) LAeq,8h = 10 log10 8 FNQ Safety Group

Calculating exposure LAeq,8h is the weighted noise average for an 8 hour period Decibel scale is logarithmic 0.33x 10105/10 + 0.5 x 1098/10 + etc.) LAeq,8h = 10 log10 8 FNQ Safety Group

Appendix C- Ready reckoner Managing Noise COP Appendix C- Ready reckoner FNQ Safety Group

Example Mary-Sue works in a factory processing line, and following a workplace noise assessment, it is found that she is exposed to the following noise levels during her work shift. Sound level dB(A) Time exposed 105 20 minutes 98 30 minutes 96 88 1 hour 80 75 FNQ Safety Group

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Hearing protection LAeq,8hdB(A) Class Less than 90 1 90 to less than 95 2 95 to less than 100 3 100 to less than 105 4 105 to less than 110 5 FNQ Safety Group

Controlled noise exposure Mary is given ear plugs with an attenuation level of 30dB(A). Are these sufficient to reduce her exposure to within acceptable limits? Are there other requirements? FNQ Safety Group

Audiometric testing Conducted in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4 Should be conducted prior to worker commencement More frequent for higher exposures FNQ Safety Group

Ototoxic substances Can increase the risk of NIHL. Solvents Heavy Metals Asphyxiants FNQ Safety Group

Training H&S responsibilities Noise exposure NIHL Maintenance and use of PPE Controls Audiometric testing FNQ Safety Group

Thank you FNQ Safety Group