Product Overview

Summary: This Noise Exposure Control Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, practical framework for managing hazardous noise in Australian workplaces. It helps businesses identify high-risk tasks, implement effective controls, and protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss while meeting WHS obligations.

Excessive workplace noise is one of the most common – and most preventable – causes of permanent hearing damage in Australia. This Noise Exposure Control Safe Operating Procedure translates legislative requirements and technical standards into a clear, step-by-step process that frontline leaders and workers can actually follow. It guides you through identifying noisy plant and tasks, assessing exposure levels, implementing the hierarchy of controls, and setting up a robust hearing conservation program tailored to your operations.

Designed for Australian businesses across construction, manufacturing, warehousing, workshops, and facilities management, this SOP helps you move beyond ad-hoc use of earmuffs to a systematic noise management approach. It addresses common problem areas such as inconsistent use of hearing protection, poorly maintained equipment, inadequate signage, and lack of documented noise assessments. By implementing this procedure, you can demonstrate due diligence, reduce the risk of workers’ compensation claims, and build a safer, more sustainable work environment where workers understand when, where, and how to protect their hearing.

The document is written in plain, practical language so it can be used both as a formal WHS procedure and as a training and induction tool. It includes ready-to-use structures for noise risk assessment, control implementation, monitoring, and review, helping you embed noise control into everyday work planning, permit systems, and contractor management.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS laws and relevant noise and hearing conservation standards.
• Reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, and associated workers’ compensation claims.
• Standardise how noise is identified, assessed, controlled, and monitored across all sites and shifts.
• Demonstrate due diligence to regulators, clients, and auditors through clear documentation and records.
• Improve worker awareness and consistent use of hearing protection through clear instructions and responsibilities.

Who is this for?

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

Hazards Addressed

• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels
• Acute hearing damage from sudden, impulsive or impact noise
• Tinnitus and other long-term auditory health effects
• Communication difficulties and misunderstanding of verbal instructions in noisy environments
• Increased risk of accidents due to masked warning signals and alarms
• Fatigue, stress, and reduced concentration associated with constant high noise
• Secondary injuries resulting from removal of hearing protection in hazardous areas

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations (including LAeq, LCpeak, exposure standards)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (PCBU, Officers, Managers, Supervisors, Workers, HSRs)
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and References
• 5.0 Identification of Noise Hazards (tasks, plant, environments)
• 6.0 Noise Assessment Requirements and Methods
• 7.0 Risk Evaluation Against Exposure Standards
• 8.0 Noise Control Measures and Hierarchy of Control
• 9.0 Selection, Use and Maintenance of Hearing Protection Devices (HPDs)
• 10.0 Signage, Labelling and Designation of Hearing Protection Areas
• 11.0 Training, Induction and Communication Requirements
• 12.0 Health Monitoring and Audiometric Testing Program
• 13.0 Contractor and Visitor Management in Noisy Areas
• 14.0 Integration with Permit to Work, Maintenance and Change Management
• 15.0 Inspection, Monitoring and Review of Noise Controls
• 16.0 Incident, Near Miss and Non-Conformance Reporting Related to Noise
• 17.0 Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements
• 18.0 Continuous Improvement and Audit Checklist
• Appendix A – Sample Noise Risk Assessment Form
• Appendix B – Example Noise Control Action Plan
• Appendix C – Hearing Protection Selection Guide (based on SLC80 ratings)
• Appendix D – Toolbox Talk and Training Topics for Noise and Hearing Conservation

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth), Part 4.1 Hazardous 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