Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out practical, legally defensible noise control measures tailored specifically for Australian tyre shops. It helps businesses systematically manage noise exposure from rattle guns, compressors, bead blasters and workshop traffic, reducing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss while demonstrating strong WHS compliance.

Tyre shops are inherently noisy environments, with continuous use of impact wrenches, air compressors, wheel balancers, bead blasters and vehicle movements all contributing to high and often unpredictable noise levels. Without a structured approach, these everyday operations can expose workers and visitors to harmful noise levels, leading to permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, fatigue, and reduced concentration. This Noise Control Measures in Tyre Shops SOP provides a clear, step-by-step framework to identify, assess and control noise risks in line with Australian WHS expectations.

The procedure walks you through practical controls specifically suited to tyre and automotive service environments, including equipment selection and maintenance, layout and isolation strategies, administrative controls such as task rotation and quiet zones, and correct use of hearing protection. It also embeds monitoring, consultation and training requirements so you can demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation and relevant Codes of Practice. By implementing this SOP, tyre shops can protect workers’ hearing, maintain productivity, and reduce the likelihood of regulatory scrutiny, workers’ compensation claims and reputational damage.

Key Benefits

• Reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and related health issues for tyre shop workers and contractors.
• Ensure demonstrable compliance with Australian WHS legislation and noise-related Codes of Practice.
• Standardise how noise is identified, assessed, controlled and reviewed across all tyre shop locations.
• Improve worker comfort, concentration and communication by managing excessive background noise.
• Support easier onboarding and training with clear, role-specific instructions on noise control and hearing protection.

Who is this for?

• Tyre Shop Owners and Managers
• Automotive Workshop Managers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Service Managers
• Fleet Maintenance Supervisors
• HR and Training Managers in Automotive Businesses

Hazards Addressed

• Excessive noise exposure from impact (rattle) guns and air tools
• Continuous noise from air compressors and pneumatic systems
• Intermittent high-level noise from bead blasters and tyre inflation
• Cumulative noise from multiple operating bays and vehicle movements
• Communication difficulties and misheard instructions in noisy environments
• Fatigue, stress and reduced concentration due to prolonged noise exposure
• Long-term noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (Noise, dB(A), LAeq, Peak, Hazardous Noise)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Managers, Supervisors, Workers, HSRs)
• 4.0 Overview of Noise Risks in Tyre Shops
• 5.0 Hazard Identification and Noise Assessment Process
• 6.0 Noise Measurement and Monitoring Requirements
• 7.0 Hierarchy of Controls for Noise in Tyre Shops
• 7.1 Elimination and Substitution Controls (Tool and Equipment Selection)
• 7.2 Engineering Controls (Enclosures, Isolation, Layout, Maintenance)
• 7.3 Administrative Controls (Work Scheduling, Task Rotation, Quiet Zones)
• 7.4 Personal Protective Equipment (Selection, Fit, Use and Maintenance of Hearing Protection)
• 8.0 Equipment and Plant-Specific Noise Controls (Impact Guns, Compressors, Balancers, Bead Blasters)
• 9.0 Workshop Layout and Traffic Management Considerations for Noise
• 10.0 Training, Instruction and Supervision Requirements
• 11.0 Health Monitoring and Audiometric Testing
• 12.0 Communication and Consultation with Workers and HSRs
• 13.0 Signage, Labelling and Designation of Hearing Protection Zones
• 14.0 Contractor and Visitor Management in Noisy Areas
• 15.0 Record Keeping and Documentation (Assessments, Training, Health Monitoring)
• 16.0 Inspection, Review and Continuous Improvement of Noise Controls
• 17.0 Non-Compliance, Corrective Actions and Reporting
• 18.0 References and Applicable Legislation/Standards
• 19.0 Document Control and Version History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Part 4.1 Hazardous noise
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks
• 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)
• ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems (for organisations using ISO frameworks)