Other hazards and control measures Noise WHS Regulation 57 Managing risk of hearing loss from noise WHS Regulation 58 Audiometric testing As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you must manage risks to health and safety relating to hearing loss associated with noise. You must ensure that the noise a worker is exposed to at the workplace does not exceed the exposure standard for noise. Audiometric testing must be provided to a worker who is frequently required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise. Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Abrasive blasting equipment can generate noise levels that may cause workers to be exposed to noise exceeding the exposure standard. The exposure standard for noise relating to hearing loss is defined in the WHS Regulations as an LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) or an LC,peak of 140 dB(C). There are two parts to the exposure standard for noise because noise can either cause gradual hearing loss over a period of time or be so loud it causes immediate hearing loss. In the abrasive blasting industry, the main sources of noise for the operator are: discharge of compressed air from the blast nozzle—112 to 119 dB(A) the feed air inside the protective helmet—94 to 102 dB(A) blast cabinets—90 to 101 dB(A), and air compressors—85 to 88 dB(A). Maximum noise levels up to 145 dB(A) have been measured at the operator’s position during blasting activities when the abrasive runs out. Operators of small abrasive blasting cabinets are particularly at risk. They may not perceive the noise to be damaging because of the relatively short periods of use. However, average noise levels at the operator's ears have been measured between 90 to 101 dB(A). This means at 101 dB(A), for instance, an exposure of unprotected ears of only 12 minutes is allowed in an eight-hour shift so as not to exceed the exposure standard of LAeq,8h 85 dB(A). Following such exposure, other work activities must not contribute to further noise exposure. Unprotected workers and others to the blasting process may also be exposed to excessive noise.
Other hazards and control measures Noise WHS Regulation 57 Managing risk of hearing loss from noise WHS Regulation 58 Audiometric testing As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you must manage risks to health and safety relating to hearing loss associated with noise. You must ensure that the noise a worker is exposed to at the workplace does not exceed the exposure standard for noise. Audiometric testing must be provided to a worker who is frequently required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise. Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing loss. Abrasive blasting equipment can generate noise levels that may cause workers to be exposed to noise exceeding the exposure standard. The exposure standard for noise relating to hearing loss is defined in the WHS Regulations as an LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) or an LC,peak of 140 dB(C). There are two parts to the exposure standard for noise because noise can either cause gradual hearing loss over a period of time or be so loud it causes immediate hearing loss. In the abrasive blasting industry, the main sources of noise for the operator are: discharge of compressed air from the blast nozzle—112 to 119 dB(A) the feed air inside the protective helmet—94 to 102 dB(A) blast cabinets—90 to 101 dB(A), and air compressors—85 to 88 dB(A). Maximum noise levels up to 145 dB(A) have been measured at the operator’s position during blasting activities when the abrasive runs out. Operators of small abrasive blasting cabinets are particularly at risk. They may not perceive the noise to be damaging because of the relatively short periods of use. However, average noise levels at the operator's ears have been measured between 90 to 101 dB(A). This means at 101 dB(A), for instance, an exposure of unprotected ears of only 12 minutes is allowed in an eight-hour shift so as not to exceed the exposure standard of LAeq,8h 85 dB(A). Following such exposure, other work activities must not contribute to further noise exposure. Unprotected workers and others to the blasting process may also be exposed to excessive noise.