Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out clear, practical noise control measures for arboriculture operations, helping you protect workers, the public and your business from the risks of excessive noise. It translates Australian WHS requirements into step-by-step processes for planning, conducting and monitoring tree work with effective noise reduction and hearing protection in place.

Arboriculture work typically involves chainsaws, chippers, stump grinders, elevated work platforms and other high-noise plant operating in close proximity to workers and the public. Without a structured approach to noise control, crews are exposed to levels that can quickly exceed exposure standards, leading to noise-induced hearing loss, fatigue, miscommunication and increased incident risk. This Noise Control Measures in Arboriculture SOP provides a clear, repeatable framework for identifying noisy tasks, implementing practical engineering and administrative controls, and ensuring the correct use of hearing protection on every job.

Designed specifically for Australian arboriculture operations, this procedure helps businesses move beyond ad-hoc earplug use and towards a systematic, documented noise management approach that will stand up to regulator and client scrutiny. It guides supervisors and workers through pre-start planning, site layout to minimise noise exposure, equipment selection and maintenance for quieter operation, communication methods when hearing protection is worn, and monitoring of noise levels against Australian exposure standards. By embedding this SOP into day-to-day operations, organisations can significantly reduce the risk of long-term hearing damage, improve crew communication and productivity, and demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation and local council requirements.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS noise exposure requirements specific to arboriculture activities.
• Reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and related workers compensation claims.
• Improve on-site communication and coordination when using chainsaws, chippers and other noisy plant.
• Standardise noise control practices across crews, sites and subcontractors for consistent risk management.
• Demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators and insurers through a documented noise control process.

Who is this for?

• Arborists
• Climbing Arborists
• Ground Crew Members
• Team Leaders and Leading Hands
• Arboriculture Business Owners
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Local Government Parks and Gardens Supervisors
• Utility Vegetation Management Supervisors
• Contract Managers for Tree Services
• Training and Induction Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to chainsaws, chippers and stump grinders
• Temporary threshold shift and tinnitus from short-duration high noise peaks
• Reduced verbal communication leading to misheard instructions and increased incident risk
• Fatigue and reduced concentration due to continuous high noise levels
• Public exposure to excessive noise in residential and urban environments
• Non-compliance with occupational noise exposure standards and local noise restrictions

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Key Terms (including noise exposure and hearing protection classes)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, supervisors, workers, contractors)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Noise Risk Identification and Assessment in Arboriculture Tasks
• 6.0 Hierarchy of Noise Controls for Arboriculture (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE)
• 7.0 Planning Arboriculture Works with Noise in Mind (job planning and scheduling)
• 8.0 Site Layout and Work Positioning to Minimise Noise Exposure
• 9.0 Equipment Selection, Maintenance and Modification for Noise Reduction
• 10.0 Use of Hearing Protection (selection, fit, use and care of earmuffs and earplugs)
• 11.0 Communication Methods While Wearing Hearing Protection (hand signals, radios, pre-arranged commands)
• 12.0 Managing Public and Neighbourhood Noise Impacts (notifications, time-of-day restrictions, barriers)
• 13.0 Noise Monitoring and Health Surveillance (audiometric testing and exposure records)
• 14.0 Training, Induction and Competency Requirements
• 15.0 Emergency and Incident Response Where Noise is a Contributing Factor
• 16.0 Documentation, Record-Keeping and Review of Noise Controls
• 17.0 Continuous Improvement and Review of this SOP

Legislation & References

• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 4.1 Hazardous work (Noise)
• 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 widely referenced)
• Relevant State and Territory Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) noise control guidelines for construction and maintenance work