Product Overview

Summary: This Noise Control Safe Operating Procedure sets out a practical, step-by-step approach to identifying, assessing and controlling hazardous noise in Australian workplaces. It helps you protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss, meet your WHS obligations, and demonstrate due diligence to regulators and clients.

Excessive workplace noise is one of the most common – and most underestimated – hazards across Australian industries. From workshops and factories to construction sites and warehouses, uncontrolled noise can cause permanent hearing loss, tinnitus, fatigue and communication breakdowns that increase the likelihood of accidents. This Noise Control Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, repeatable framework for managing noise risks, from initial identification and measurement through to control selection, implementation and ongoing review.

Developed with Australian WHS legislation and guidance in mind, the SOP translates regulatory requirements into practical actions that supervisors and workers can follow on the ground. It covers how to recognise hazardous noise, when to engage a competent person or occupational hygienist, how to implement engineering and administrative controls, and how to correctly select, fit and maintain hearing protection. By embedding this procedure into your day-to-day operations, you create a consistent approach to noise management that supports worker consultation, training, record-keeping and continuous improvement, while reducing the risk of non-compliance, workers’ compensation claims and reputational damage.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS noise regulations and relevant Codes of Practice.
• Reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus and related workers’ compensation claims.
• Standardise how noise is identified, measured, controlled and reviewed across all work areas.
• Improve communication, concentration and overall safety performance in noisy environments.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients and auditors through clear documentation and records.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Production Managers
• Maintenance Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Facility Managers
• Human Resources Managers
• Small Business Owners in Manufacturing, Construction and Workshops

Hazards Addressed

• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels
• Tinnitus and other long-term auditory disorders
• Communication difficulties leading to misunderstandings and safety incidents
• Reduced situational awareness due to high background noise
• Fatigue, stress and decreased concentration caused by constant noise
• Inadequate or incorrect use of hearing protection devices
• Exposure to sudden impact or peak noise from tools, machinery and equipment

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References and Legislative Requirements
• 3.0 Definitions (Hazardous Noise, LAeq, LCpeak, etc.)
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 5.0 Noise Hazard Identification and Reporting
• 6.0 Noise Assessment and Monitoring Procedures
• 7.0 Hierarchy of Noise Control Measures
• 8.0 Engineering Controls (Design, Isolation, Maintenance)
• 9.0 Administrative Controls (Rostering, Signage, Restricted Areas)
• 10.0 Hearing Protection Selection, Fit and Maintenance
• 11.0 Training, Instruction and Worker Consultation
• 12.0 Health Monitoring and Audiometric Testing Requirements
• 13.0 Communication in Noisy Environments (Radios, Signals, Procedures)
• 14.0 Record Keeping and Documentation
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Emergency and Abnormal Noise Events (Plant Failure, Explosive Noise)
• 17.0 Appendices – Sample Checklists, Noise Survey Forms and Signage Examples

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)
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and harmonised state/territory variants)
• AS/NZS 1269.0–4: Occupational noise management (all parts)
• AS/NZS 1270: Acoustics – Hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1269.3: Occupational noise management – Hearing protector program
• State and territory WHS/OHS regulations relating to noise (e.g. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW))