Product Overview

Summary: This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, repeatable method for measuring and assessing noise emissions from electric vehicles in line with Australian WHS and environmental expectations. It helps organisations verify compliance with regulatory and customer requirements, protect workers and the public from harmful noise exposure, and generate defensible test data for audits and certification.

As electric vehicles become more common in Australian fleets, workshops and public spaces, the way noise is generated and controlled is changing. While EVs are generally quieter than internal combustion vehicles, they present new challenges: very low-speed operation can create risks for pedestrians and workers due to reduced audible cues, while auxiliary systems, warning devices and charging infrastructure can introduce new sources of hazardous noise. This SOP provides a robust, standardised approach to planning and conducting noise emissions testing for electric vehicles, both in controlled environments and in operational workplaces.

The procedure guides users through test preparation, instrument selection and calibration, test site setup, measurement techniques, data recording and interpretation of results against relevant Australian standards and internal company criteria. By following this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under WHS legislation, support safe design and selection of EVs and warning systems, and ensure that workshop, depot and on-road operations are not exposing workers or the public to unacceptable noise levels. It also supports consistent documentation for tenders, certifications, insurer enquiries and regulator inspections, reducing the risk of disputes about noise impacts and compliance.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, repeatable noise emissions testing for electric vehicles across all sites and projects.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS and environmental noise requirements using defensible, well-documented test data.
• Reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and nuisance noise complaints by identifying and controlling problematic EV noise sources.
• Streamline communication between engineering, WHS, fleet and management teams with a common testing method and reporting format.
• Support procurement and design decisions by providing reliable noise performance information for different EV models and configurations.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Fleet Managers
• EV Workshop Supervisors
• Automotive Test Engineers
• Environmental and Sustainability Managers
• Quality Assurance Managers
• R&D and Product Development Engineers (EV)
• Compliance and Regulatory Affairs Officers
• Maintenance Supervisors in Transport Depots
• Noise and Vibration (NVH) Specialists

Hazards Addressed

• Noise-induced hearing loss from auxiliary equipment, alarms and workshop activities involving EVs
• Nuisance and occupational stress from tonal or high-frequency EV warning sounds and components
• Reduced situational awareness for pedestrians and workers due to very low EV propulsion noise
• Exposure to high noise levels during EV testing in enclosed or reverberant workshop spaces
• Trip and vehicle movement hazards during on-road or depot-based noise measurement activities

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (including EV and acoustic terminology)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and References
• 5.0 Competency, Training and Authorisation Requirements
• 6.0 Required Equipment, Instrumentation and Calibration
• 7.0 Pre-Test Planning and Risk Assessment
• 8.0 Test Environment and Site Setup (Workshop, Depot and On-Road Conditions)
• 9.0 Vehicle Preparation and Operating Conditions for Testing
• 10.0 Noise Measurement Methodology (Static, Pass-by and Operational Tests)
• 11.0 Data Recording, Quality Control and Calibration Checks
• 12.0 Assessment Criteria and Interpretation of Results
• 13.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures During Testing
• 14.0 Reporting Requirements and Documentation Templates
• 15.0 Corrective Actions, Follow-Up Testing and Continuous Improvement
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Data Storage and Audit Trail
• 17.0 Review, Approval and Document Control

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS legislation
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Noise provisions
• 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 2399: Acoustic – Sound level meters
• AS/NZS ISO 9612: Acoustics – Determination of occupational noise exposure
• Relevant state/territory Environmental Protection (Noise) Policies and guidelines