Noise risk management procedure
1 Purpose
To describe the University of Melbourne's methodology for managing noise and associated risks that will ensure:
· the health and safety of staff and students; and
· compliance to regulatory requirements.
2 Scope
This procedure applies to all staff and students at all of the University of Melbourne's campuses and each of the University's controlled entities.
3 Legislation
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic)
4 References
AS 1269 (series): Occupational noise management
AS IEC 61672.1: Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Specifications
4.1 Definitions
Decibel
Level of sound pressure. Expressed as decibel (dB)
Frequency (Hz)
The number of vibrations per second. Expressed in units of Hertz (Hz). Audible sounds lie between 20 Hz and 20 000 Hz.
Daily Noise Dose
Measured over an eight hour day and is the equivalent continuous sound pressure level of 85 dB(A).
Maximum Noise
Exposure: peak sound pressure level reading of 140 dB(C).
5 Responsibilities
5.1 Head of Department
The Head of Department/School must ensure that all requirements for noise assessments are completed and where appropriate a noise management plan is implemented. A hearing conservation program for all staff who are exposed to noise must be supported.
The Head of Department/School must ensure that goods purchased comply with statutory requirements and do not exceed the specified levels. Where equipment has noise emissions above the thresholds then appropriate shielding and noise control measures will be implemented.
The Head of Department/School must ensure that all training and audiometric testing is undertaken where applicable.
5.2 Managers/Supervisor
Supervisors responsible for staff working in areas where there are noise levels that are above the statutory thresholds must ensure that:
· employees wear the prescribed hearing protection; and
· employees have received adequate training in wearing and maintaining hearing protection.
6 Procedure
6.1 Noise Risk Identification Assessment and Control
The Noise Hazard Identification Form can be used to identify the risk to employees from exposure to noise from plant or equipment, or from the normal work environment.
Where a risk is identified contact the Local Health & Safety contacted. The Local Health & Safety Contact shall determine if specialist advice is required.
Where an assessment has been completed and indicates a noise level that exceeds the daily noise dose, the manager/supervisor must ensure that the employee's exposure to the noise is controlled so as to minimise risk to health and safety. This must occur in consultation with the employee representative and/or HSR.
Noise surveys must be regularly reviewed, at least every 5 years, or when the job process changes.
The manager/supervisor must arrange audiometric testing for an employee exposed to noise, or who must wear hearing protection.
The University of Melbourne Occupational Health Nurse can be contacted for audiometric testing.
Where hearing protection is selected to control the risk, appropriate signage must be introduced into the workplace to identify areas and equipment where hearing protection must be worn.
6.2 Sample Noise Control Plan
Step 1 Identify Risks
Complete the Noise Hazard Identification form
If any answers are yes then a key risk factor has been identified. Further assessment is required.
Step 2 Assessment of Risk Factors
Where a noise assessment is required the Local OHS Practice Expert should be contacted.
Step 3 Noise Control Plan
A written plan must outline the steps taken to reduce the noise exposure of the employees. The plan could include: addressing the Hierarchy of Control to reduce noise.
6.3 Control
The following are methods for controlling noise using the hierarchy of control:
· Selection of equipment with lower noise emissions
· Design of new work areas to include engineering noise controls
· Procedures for preventative maintenance on existing equipment
· Procedures for monitoring usage of hearing protectors
· Identification of hearing protection zones
7 Document Control
Established by: OHSC on 5 June 2001Date: 23 February 2016. Version 2.1 / Authorised by Associate Director, Health & Safety
Next Review: 23 February 2019 / (c) The University of Melbourne - uncontrolled when printed.
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