Product Overview

Summary: This Noise Control and Hearing Protection SOP provides a clear, practical framework for managing workplace noise and preventing noise-induced hearing loss across Australian worksites. It helps businesses identify hazardous noise, implement effective controls, and ensure workers are correctly protected and compliant with WHS legislation.

Excessive workplace noise is one of the most common – and most overlooked – causes of permanent hearing damage in Australian workplaces. This Noise Control and Hearing Protection Safe Operating Procedure gives your organisation a structured, defensible approach to identifying hazardous noise, applying the hierarchy of control, and ensuring that hearing protection is correctly selected, fitted, used and maintained. It is designed to be applied across a wide range of environments, including construction sites, manufacturing plants, workshops, warehouses, utilities, mining, and transport depots.

The procedure addresses the full lifecycle of noise risk management: from initial noise surveys and exposure assessments, through engineering and administrative controls, to the correct use of personal hearing protectors and audiometric testing programs. It clarifies responsibilities for managers, supervisors, workers and contractors, and sets out clear steps for training, supervision, record-keeping and continuous improvement. By implementing this SOP, businesses can reduce the likelihood of noise-induced hearing loss claims, improve worker wellbeing and concentration, and demonstrate strong compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards for managing hazardous noise.
• Reduce the risk of permanent noise-induced hearing loss and related workers’ compensation claims.
• Standardise how noise assessments, controls and hearing protection are implemented across all sites.
• Improve worker comfort, communication and productivity by applying effective noise control measures.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and insurers through clear documentation and records.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Production Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• HSEQ Coordinators
• Workshop Managers
• Human Resources Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Exposure to hazardous noise levels above regulatory exposure standards
• Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus
• Acoustic shock from sudden, intense noise events
• Reduced communication and failure to hear alarms or warning signals
• Fatigue, stress and reduced concentration caused by prolonged noise exposure
• Incorrect or inconsistent use of hearing protection devices

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (including hazardous noise and exposure standards)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Noise Assessment Process
• 6.0 Risk Assessment and Determining Noise Exposure
• 7.0 Noise Control Measures – Hierarchy of Control
• 7.1 Elimination and Substitution of Noise Sources
• 7.2 Engineering Controls (isolation, enclosures, damping, maintenance)
• 7.3 Administrative Controls (rosters, job rotation, quiet zones, signage)
• 8.0 Hearing Protection Program
• 8.1 Selection of Hearing Protectors (earplugs, earmuffs, communication headsets)
• 8.2 Fit, Use and Care of Hearing Protection
• 8.3 Storage, Inspection and Replacement of Hearing Protection
• 9.0 Audiometric Testing and Health Monitoring Requirements
• 10.0 Training, Instruction and Supervision
• 11.0 Contractor and Visitor Management in High-Noise Areas
• 12.0 Signage, Labelling and Demarcation of Hearing Protection Zones
• 13.0 Incident Reporting, Non-Compliance and Corrective Actions
• 14.0 Documentation, Records and Confidentiality (noise surveys, test results, training)
• 15.0 Review, Evaluation and Continuous Improvement of Noise Controls
• 16.0 References and Related Documents
• 17.0 Appendices (Sample Checklists, Noise Survey Form, Hearing Protection Fit-Check Guide)

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Management of noise and hearing loss prevention
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• AS/NZS 1269.1: Occupational noise management – Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure
• AS/NZS 1269.2: Occupational noise management – Noise control management
• AS/NZS 1269.3: Occupational noise management – Hearing protector program
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many systems)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (for organisations aligned to international standards)