OHS practices - Hazards
Noise
Noise can be found in any work environment and not just wherever machinery equipment or tools are used. It does not have to be a loud noise to damage your hearing.
Low continuous noise levels can also do damage if sustained for long enough.
The following table identifies recommended maximum noise levels for work environments or work tasks.
Recommended maximum noise levels |
|
|---|---|
Work or workplace |
Maximum noise level (dB) |
Hospital wards, theatres, conference / training rooms |
20 - 35 |
Work involving concentration |
50 |
Offices, stores, restaurants, business premises |
40 - 55 |
Areas where communication is essential |
70 |
Production areas |
75 |
Level above which hearing protection should be worn |
85 |
Normally unattended plant rooms |
90 - 115 |
Controlling noise
Noise control measures should follow a hierarchy of control, moving from higher order control methods such as elimination or isolation, to lower order control methods, such as personal protective equipment.
It must be emphasised at this point, that personal protection equipment used to control noise hazards is the last possible choice.
Personal protective equipment can be used as an interim measure as other control measures are being implemented. Where personal protective equipment, such as ear-plugs or ear-muffs, are used solely to control noise levels, the potential for employee exposure is great. Removing muffs or plugs for a few minutes in high noise areas can result in a 'daily noise dose'.
Noise problems have three components and noise reduction will require an examination of each component:
- source from where the noise is generated
- path along which the sound energy travels
- receiver, such as the human ear.
Noise production at the source can be reduced or eliminated by:
- substituting with quieter equipment
- changing the process
- changing the structure so less sound is radiated, reducing vibration.
If hearing protection is to be provided, care must be made in its selection and use.
