About this Noise Management Toolbox Talk

This noise management toolbox talk gives some practical guidance on how noise affects hearing, how to identify and assess noise exposure and how to control health and safety risks arising from excessive noise.

Noise is a common hazard in the workplace, and it can be a serious health and safety concern. It’s important to be aware of the potential to damage hearing and to take steps to protect employees from exposure to loud noise.

What is Excessive Noise?

Excessive noise is the noise that exceeds the maximum daily exposure limit. It is the noise that may cause hearing loss because of its intensity, duration and/or frequency distribution or if the noise disturbs cognitive or physiological functions.

Excessive noise in the workplace can be a high-level risk and may result in noise-induced hearing loss, which can be permanent. Under the various regulations and codes of practice a process needs to be established to familiarise workers with the following:

• What the workplace noise levels are, the range of health effects due to noise and the social implications.
• The exposure to noise in their particular workplace (e.g. over 85 decibels).
• The general and specific control measures which are necessary to protect them and other persons who may be affected by their work.
• The noise at work policy and program.
• Arrangements for reporting defects that are likely to cause excessive noise.
• When and how to use personal hearing protection and their proper care and maintenance.
• The statutory responsibilities of employers and employees.

What are the Temporary Effects of Excessive Noise?

The temporary effects of excessive noise exposure are ringing, buzzing, or roaring sounds in the ears and/or muffled hearing.

What are the Permanent Effects of Excessive Noise?

• Constant ringing in the ears (tinnitus) resulting in hearing damage.
• Trouble hearing high-frequency sounds such as the phone ringing.
• Speech consonants such as ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘K’ and ‘C’ may be hard to hear.
• You may have to turn the television or radio volume up to hear it clearly.

Note: Workplace noise should be assessed, monitored and controlled to ensure compliance with statutory requirements.

Controlling Workplace Noise

• Identify if noise is excessive or a problem at work.
• Consult with workers and discuss lines of defense.
• Assess the risks to health and safety from noise exposure.
• Develop a hearing conservation program.
• Introduce noise control measures (e.g. (engineering controls and administrative controls).
• Provide workers with training and information about noise and the amount of time exposed.
• If warranted, provide audiometric testing.

Hearing Protection

• Hearing protectors can be very effective but, only if it fits properly.
• A significant noise reduction of 10 – 24 decibels can be achieved if the correct hearing protectors are selected and worn.
• There are two different types of protection – ear plugs and earmuffs.

What to Do to Protect Hearing?

• Follow the instructions given to protect you from the risks associated with hazardous noise exposure.
• Use hearing protection.
• Maintain your hearing personal protective protection (PPE) in good condition.
• Follow any noise advisory signage at the workplace.

Why Subscribe and Download this Noise Management Toolbox Talk?

This 2-page noise management toolbox talk on noise gives some practical guidance on how noise affects hearing, how to identify and assess exposure to noise and how to control health and safety risks arising from excessive noise.

The toolbox talk can also assist you to promote an understanding of the health effects caused by noise, including occupational, domestic and leisure activities.

With this noise management toolbox talk you will be able to:

• Very easily edit and customize the template to create your own noise management toolbox talk.
• Apply your own style, format and brand to the noise management toolbox talk.
• Use it in any industry or sector regardless of size or type of organization.

Availability and Use of this Noise Management Toolbox Talk

• This noise management toolbox talk is accessible to you right now by clicking the ‘Become a Member Now’ button.
• The toolbox talk will be delivered to you in fully editable Microsoft Word format for immediate and full use in your business.
• There are no membership auto-renewals, contracts or ongoing costs.

If you can find HSEQ documents that are of better value than what your Membership offers, we will REFUND YOU double the cost of your membership.

You may also need:

• Noise Assessment Report
• Hearing Conservation Plan
• Noise Management Procedure
• Noise Hazard Identification Checklist
• Workplace Noise Training Presentation