Respiratory Protection Policy and Procedure

Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major compensable industrial disease in Australia and entails substantial economic costs. Exposure to excessive noise also entails largely unrecognised costs to organisations by way of increased employee turnover and absenteeism, lowered performance, and possible contribution to accidents. As well as the economic cost for employers, NIHL imposes a severe burden on health and social services and the economy as a whole.

This policy provides guidance in the control of workplace noise and the reduction of noise related health affects amongst employees, subcontractors and visitors, ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety Act, its regulations and codes of practice.

The purpose of the policy is to prevent noise-induced hearing loss and other detrimental effects of exposure to excessive noise in the work environment.

Contents

Introduction
Purpose
Outcome
Scope
Hearing Conservation
  What is occupational noise exposure?
Policy
Legal Requirements
Definitions
  Hazardous noise
  Nuisance noise
  Decibel (dB)
  Sound level meter (SLM)
  Time-weighted average (TWA)
  Audiometric test (or testing)
  Worker
Managing risks of noise
  Identification
Risk Assessments
Roles and Responsibilities
  Management
  Managers/Supervisors are responsible for:
  Workers are responsible for:
Hearing Protection
Signage
Audiograms/Hearing Tests
  Annual Testing
  Standard Threshold Shift (STS)
Training Program
  Training and education will be provided:
Record Keeping