Noise Assessment

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is a noise assessment legally required?
   If workers need to raise their voices to be heard at one metre distance (the ‘1 metre rule’), or if noise levels are suspected to exceed 85 dB(A), a formal noise assessment is required. Additionally, any workplace where hearing protection is mandatory must conduct regular assessments.
   
   
2. What is the noise exposure standard in Australia?
   Workers must not be exposed to noise exceeding 85 dB(A) averaged over an eight-hour day, or peak noise levels above 140 dB(C). These are the maximum permissible limits under WHS regulations.
   
   
3. How often should noise assessments be repeated?
   Reassessment is required when changes occur to equipment, processes, or work practices, or at least every five years. If workers rely on hearing protection, more frequent monitoring and audiometric testing may be required.
   
   
4. What happens if noise levels exceed the standard?
   The PCBU must implement controls following the hierarchy of controls—elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and finally personal protective equipment. Ongoing monitoring and audiometric testing become mandatory.
   
   
5. Can workers be exposed to noise if they wear hearing protection?
   Hearing protection is the last line of defence. Employers must first attempt to eliminate or reduce noise at the source. If hearing protection is the only option, workers must receive audiometric testing to monitor hearing health.
   
   
6. If a worker’s LAeq,8h is 88 dB(A) what practical steps do I need to take?
   An LAeq,8h of 88 dB(A) exceeds the exposure standard of 85 dB(A). Begin by identifying the tasks and locations driving exposure. Implement engineering controls where possible such as equipment enclosures, maintenance to reduce vibration or substitution of quieter plant. Use administrative controls such as rotating staff and limiting task duration while you implement engineering solutions. Provide and fit test hearing protection immediately and schedule a verification assessment after controls are applied. We can provide a stepwise plan and a costed control roadmap tailored to your site. Safe Work Australia
   
   
7. How long does a typical assessment take for a 100 person factory?
   Typical on-site measurement and interviews take one to two full days depending on shift patterns, number of distinct tasks and whether we perform full noise mapping. Draft report delivery is generally within 5 to 10 business days after fieldwork, with a finalised report provided once any clarifications are complete.
   
   
8. Can you guarantee a reduction in dB levels after controls are applied?
   No credible assessor can guarantee a specific dB reduction without first inspecting the site and testing controls. What we do guarantee is evidence-based recommendations, an implementation plan and post-control verification to confirm the actual reduction achieved.
   
   
9. Do you provide support if a regulator requests our noise records?
   Yes. We can prepare regulator-ready reports, provide context for measurements and represent the technical evidence if you require assistance during an inspection or follow up. We can also supply improvements to your hearing conservation programme and staff training materials.
   
   
10. My workers move between noisy and quiet areas across a shift. Which measurement method is appropriate?
    Personal dosimetry is the most appropriate method. Dosimeters capture the worker’s actual exposure across varied tasks and locations and can calculate the LAeq,8h exposure dose. We supply wearable dosimeters and interpret results for each role. Safe Work Australia