1771A\1987
4.9.23.llB
21.8.1987

1. BACKGROUND

1.1 The University is committed to conserving the hearing of all of its employees and students and will take steps, which are compatible with both the NH&MRC Guidelines and Australian Standard 1269-1983, to reduce the risk of occupational hearing loss.

1.2 In addition to the statutory requirement to limit noise to the maximum level of 85dBA (Machinery Ordinance 1949), the university recognises that there is a risk to employees exposed beyond 80dBA over an 8 hour day. Where reasonably possible, the noise level in workplaces should be below this level.

1.3 Hearing loss can result from prolonged exposure to excessive noise at the workplace. Such a loss is additional to that experienced through the normal aging process.

1.4 However, it is not only the auditory effects of noise that are of concern; noise also leads to:

• prolonged constriction of blood vessels
• increased stress levels
• reduced performance in work requiring thought and sustained intellectual effort.

These findings have implications for office and computer based work and for that reason, ambient noise levels in offices and computer rooms should be restricted to 55dBA3.

2. DEFINITION

2.1 Excessive noise is either that which may cause hearing loss because of its intensity, duration and\or frequency distribution or that which disturbs cognitive or physiological functions.

3. IDENTIFICATION OF RISK AREAS

3.1 Laboratory\Business Managers or equivalent, and representatives of Area Safety Committees should compile a list of areas where noise hazards are suspected. The list should be forwarded to the OH&S Unit who will arrange for noise level and daily noise dose measurements for the areas.

4. NOISE REDUCTION

4.1 All attempts should be made to eliminate noise at source using standard engineering methods and structural solutions such as enclosure, isolation, providing absorbent gaskets and cladding and by purchasing new equipment that does not exceed the general 80dBA limit or 55dBA for office and computing equipment. The OH&S Unit or acoustic engineers should be consulted where necessary to advise on structural solutions, particularly in the planning stages for areas which may contain noisy plant and equipment.

5. PERSONAL PROTECTION

5.1 If engineering solutions are not practicable, employees should be prescribed appropriate hearing protection. Personal protection should be viewed as a last resort as it is generally uncomfortable and cumbersome when worn over protracted periods of time.

5.2 Hearing protection should be specifically prescribed according to noise levels, sound pressure and working conditions.

5.3 Where helmets or face shields are worn, hearing protection, if required, should be incorporated into the head gear.

6. NOTIFICATION OF HEARING PROTECTION AREAS

6.1 All areas deemed to have excessive noise levels should be labelled as requiring hearing protection. Signs should be clear, unambiguous and placed strategically to capture attention. Visitors to the area should be given hearing protection.

6.2 Noisy equipment such as chain saws, angle grinders or concrete cutters should have labels which remind the employee of the need for hearing protection.

7. MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

7.1 Support for the hearing conservation program should come from the highest levels of management in each area of the University.

7.2 Staff in designated hazardous areas should attend educational programs which concern hearing conservation and each new employee should be instructed on the problems created by prolonged noise exposure.

7.3 Managers should give purchasing preference to goods that do not exceed the general 80dBA limit or 55dBA for office and computing equipment. In cases where there is only one supplier and the noise emission of the goods is unacceptable, managers should place the onus on the supplier to provide acoustic insulation.

7.4 Managers should take responsibility for ensuring that staff working in designated hazardous areas present themselves for regular audiometric screening, which will be arranged by the OH&S Unit.

8. SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITY

9. EMPLOYEE RESPONSIBILITY

10. AUDIOMETRIC SCREENINGS

10.1 All new employees working in potentially noisy environments should be aware of this and their pre-employment medical should include baseline audiometric testing. The data will be held on the employee's personal file.

10.2 All staff working in areas where the noise levels are in excess of 8OdBA will be screened at regular intervals to establish the success or otherwise of hearing conservation strategies. 10.3 Audiometric screening procedures will comply with AS 1269 (see attached), and will be arranged by the OH&S Unit.

10.4 All results are to be kept on the employee's personal file and a copy is to be sent to the OH&S Unit and the employee.

REFERENCES

• ACT Inspection of Machinery Regulations, Part 3A, 22B, 22C, 220.
• AS 1269-1983 Tables pages 29 and 30.
• International Labour Organization, Occupational Hazards and Diseases in Commerce and Offices. Report International Labour Office Ninth Session Congress, Geneva 1985. (It is widely accepted that noise levels greater than 55dBA cause annoying interference with work that requires substantial mental effort.)