Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major compensable industrial disease that entails substantial economic costs. NIHL cannot be reversed or cured. People suffering from NIHL often have communication and personal relationship difficulties. They may face social isolation and reduced quality of life. Family and friends are often affected.
To prevent people from NIHL in workplaces, the first step is to identify the potential noise hazards and assess the level of risks. Occupational noise survey will achieve this goal.
In WA the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 set the exposure standard for noise:
· a daily noise exposure level, LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A); or
· a peak noise level, LC,peak of 140 dB(C).
measured at the position of the person’s ear without taking into account any protection which may be provided to the person by personal hearing protectors.
The 85 dB(A) exposure standard for noise in Western Australia is legally the maximum acceptable exposure level for noise at the workplace. Where employees are exposed to levels above 85 dB(A) it is a requirement under the Regulations that hearing protection is provided and selected in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.3 and comply with AS 1270.
Occupational noise survey should be conducted where a noise hazard is identified and at intervals of 5 years from the initial survey or when there is a significant change in the work process, equipment, working area or shift arrangements.
Acoustic Engineering Solutions (AES) provides services for occupational noise surveys and advices in accordance with the WA Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984, WA Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996, WA Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994, WA Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995, and NOPSEMA requirements. Our noise surveys will help you:
· Identify the high-risk sources and routes of exposure to noise;
· Evaluate workers’ noise exposures;
· Assess the effectiveness of the current noise control measures; and
· Provide noise control recommendations for high-risk noise sources.