1. Conducting Preliminary Noise Assessments in the Workplace
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2. Outline What is noise? Measuring noise How noise affects hearing
Exposure limits
Hazard identification
Equipment
Calculating exposure
Controls
Further requirements
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3. What is noise?
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4. 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
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5. How noise affects hearing
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6. 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
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7. 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
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8. Hazard identification
What workplaces may have exposure to excessive noise?
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9. FNQ Safety Group

10. FNQ Safety Group

11. Measuring equipment Sound level meters Class 1 ± 0.7 dB
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12. Measuring equipment
Sound level meters apps
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13. Measuring equipment
Noise dosimeter
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14. Calculating exposure Is a noise sample over 85 dB(A) acceptable?
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15. 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
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16. 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
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17. Calculating exposure
LAeq,8h is the weighted noise average for an 8 hour period
Decibel scale is logarithmic
0.33x 10105/ x 1098/10 + etc.)
LAeq,8h = 10 log10 8
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18. Appendix C- Ready reckoner
Managing Noise COP
Appendix C- Ready reckoner
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19. 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
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20. FNQ Safety Group

21. 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
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22. 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?
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23. Audiometric testing Conducted in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4
Should be conducted prior to worker commencement
More frequent for higher exposures
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24. Ototoxic substances Can increase the risk of NIHL. Solvents
Heavy Metals
Asphyxiants
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25. Training H&S responsibilities Noise exposure NIHL
Maintenance and use of PPE
Controls
Audiometric testing
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26. Thank you
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