Noise Management

4. Controlling noise exposure risks

Many noise risks can be eliminated or minimised by assessing tasks and equipment prior to use and selecting the least hazardous option.

Below are some practical suggestions to eliminate or minimise exposure to excessive noise risks.

Where construction work is being undertaken at or near the school:

• sign post noisy areas and restrict access
• use barriers or enclosures to isolate noise where possible.

When using loud items while teaching, that is, during technology or music classes:

• sound proof/insulate noisy rooms/areas (for example, installation of soft furnishing, carpeting, wall panels, acoustic dividing screens)
• limit the duration of exposure to excessive noise through task rotation
• sign post noisy areas and restrict access.

When undertaking gardening and maintenance:

• avoid the use of noisy items/machinery and remove them from the school where possible
• replace noisy lawnmowing machines by purchasing new machines fitted with a low tone muffler
• develop safe work procedures for identified high risk tasks/activities
• limit the duration of exposure to excessive noise through task rotation
• schedule maintenance or gardening outside of school hours (for example, on weekends, after hours or during school holidays)
• use barriers or enclosures to isolate noise
• sign post noisy areas and restrict access
• ensure training on fitting, use and maintenance of hearing protection equipment is available.

Noise from certain activities or environments is more difficult to control (for example, lawnmowing, playing an instrument or using a drill) and may always require hearing protective equipment (HPE).

If staff are still exposed to noise that exceeds the noise exposure standard after implementing the controls, the principal and/or their delegate must put in place controls that may include:

• providing hearing protection equipment (earplugs, earmuffs)
• training on the appropriate use and maintenance of hearing protection equipment
• identifying when and where hearing protection should be worn:
  • including early identification by signs and labelling of plant or safe work procedures of when and where hearing protection is to be worn
• providing audiometric testing:
  • this must be performed for school staff who require hearing protection to control their exposure to noise above the standard (for example, gardener, music teacher)
  • audiometric testing must be provided within 3 months of a staff member commencing and every 2 years thereafter
  • audiometric testing should also be provided when reasonably requested by the HSR of the designated working group of which the staff is a member
• organising for a staff member to undergo an audiological examination, if 2 audiometric tests indicate a reduction in hearing levels equal to or greater than 15 decibels (dB) at 3,000, 4,000 or 6,000 Hz over a period not exceeding 2 years.

Schools may contact the OHS Advisory Service on 1300 074 715 for support and guidance on audiometric testing.

Affected staff must:

• correctly wear hearing protection when carrying out work that exposes them to hazardous levels of noise
• participate in audiometric testing within 3 months of starting a role where exposure to hazardous levels of noise (for example, exceeds standards) has been identified, and be re-tested every 2 years.

The principal/delegate must document relevant noise risks and controls within their OHS risk register, to ensure effective monitoring and reviewing processes are in place. Refer to the OHS Risk Management Policy and procedure for further information.