Product Overview

Summary: This Noise Control in Workshop SOP sets out clear, practical steps to identify, control and monitor noise risks in busy workshop environments. It helps Australian businesses prevent noise-induced hearing loss, meet WHS obligations, and maintain a safer, more productive workplace where communication and concentration are protected.

Workshops are inherently noisy environments, with grinders, compressors, impact tools, saws and plant often operating simultaneously. Without a structured approach to noise control, workers can be exposed to hazardous noise levels that gradually damage hearing, interfere with communication, and increase the risk of accidents and near misses. This Noise Control in Workshop Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear framework for identifying noisy tasks and equipment, assessing risk, and implementing a hierarchy of controls tailored to your specific workshop layout and operations.

Developed for Australian workplaces, this SOP aligns with WHS legislation and recognised standards for managing noise and preventing hearing loss. It guides supervisors and managers through practical measures such as equipment selection and maintenance, engineering controls (enclosures, barriers and isolation), administrative controls (task rotation, scheduling and signage), and the correct use and maintenance of hearing protection. By adopting this procedure, businesses can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the likelihood of workers’ compensation claims, and foster a culture where noise risks are managed proactively rather than reactively.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS noise requirements and demonstrate due diligence during inspections and audits.
• Reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and associated workers’ compensation claims.
• Improve communication, situational awareness and overall safety in noisy workshop environments.
• Standardise how noise risks are identified, controlled and reviewed across all workshop areas and shifts.
• Support effective training and induction by providing clear, workshop-specific noise control guidance for workers and contractors.

Who is this for?

• Workshop Supervisors
• Production Managers
• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Maintenance Managers
• Workshop Leading Hands
• Fabrication and Engineering Managers
• Automotive Service Managers
• Manufacturing Operations Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels
• Temporary threshold shifts and tinnitus from sudden or peak noise events
• Reduced verbal communication leading to misunderstandings and unsafe actions
• Inability to hear alarms, warning signals or approaching mobile plant
• Fatigue, stress and reduced concentration caused by constant background noise
• Increased risk of incidents due to distraction or startle responses from unexpected loud noises

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (Noise, Exposure Standard, LAeq, Peak Noise)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Managers, Supervisors, Workers, HSRs)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Workshop Noise Risk Profile and Typical Sources
• 6.0 Noise Assessment and Monitoring Requirements
• 7.0 Hierarchy of Noise Controls in the Workshop
• 7.1 Elimination and Substitution of Noisy Plant and Processes
• 7.2 Engineering Controls (Enclosures, Barriers, Isolation, Damping)
• 7.3 Administrative Controls (Scheduling, Rotation, Signage, Access Control)
• 7.4 Personal Protective Equipment (Selection, Fit, Use and Maintenance of Hearing Protection)
• 8.0 Safe Operating Practices for Noisy Tasks and Equipment
• 9.0 Maintenance, Inspection and Calibration of Noise Control Measures
• 10.0 Training, Induction and Consultation on Noise Risks
• 11.0 Health Monitoring and Audiometric Testing Requirements
• 12.0 Incident, Complaint and Non-compliance Reporting (Noise-related Issues)
• 13.0 Recordkeeping (Assessments, Controls, Training, Health Monitoring)
• 14.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Noise Controls
• 15.0 Appendices (Noise Assessment Forms, Checklists, Sample Signage and Registers)

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 4.1: Hazardous Work (Noise)
• 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 commonly referenced)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use