Product Overview

Summary: This Noise Risk Management and Hearing Conservation SOP provides a clear, practical framework for identifying, assessing and controlling hazardous noise in Australian workplaces. It helps organisations prevent noise-induced hearing loss, meet WHS obligations, and implement a consistent, defensible approach to hearing conservation across all sites and shifts.

Excessive workplace noise is one of the most common – and most preventable – causes of permanent hearing loss in Australia. This Noise Risk Management and Hearing Conservation Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, step-by-step approach to managing noise risks, from initial identification and measurement through to control implementation, health monitoring, and ongoing review. It translates legislative and Australian Standard requirements into clear, usable instructions that can be followed on the workshop floor, in construction environments, processing plants, warehouses and other high-noise settings.

The SOP helps businesses move beyond ad hoc use of earplugs by embedding a full hearing conservation program. It covers noise surveys and exposure assessments, hierarchy-of-control-based solutions, selection and maintenance of hearing protection, audiometric testing, and worker consultation and training. By implementing this procedure, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under WHS laws, reduce the likelihood of workers’ compensation claims for hearing loss, and support a safer, more productive workplace where communication, alarms and warning signals can still be heard and acted upon.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and relevant noise and hearing conservation standards.
• Reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss and associated workers’ compensation claims.
• Standardise how noise risks are identified, measured, controlled and reviewed across all sites.
• Improve worker awareness, consultation and engagement in hearing conservation initiatives.
• Provide clear documentation to demonstrate due diligence during regulator inspections or incident investigations.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Production Managers
• Facilities Managers
• Maintenance Managers
• HSE Coordinators
• Human Resources Managers
• Return to Work Coordinators
• Safety Representatives and HSRs
• Contractor Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Noise-induced hearing loss from prolonged exposure to high noise levels
• Temporary threshold shifts and tinnitus from acute or repeated noise exposure
• Communication failures due to excessive background noise
• Inability to hear alarms, warning signals or approaching mobile plant
• Incorrect or inconsistent use of hearing protection devices
• Cumulative exposure from multiple noisy tasks or areas
• Psychosocial impacts such as fatigue, stress and reduced concentration linked to high noise environments

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Legislative and Standards Framework
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competencies
• 5.0 Identification of Noise Hazards and Noisy Tasks
• 6.0 Noise Measurement, Monitoring and Exposure Assessment
• 7.0 Noise Risk Assessment Methodology and Criteria
• 8.0 Noise Control Measures – Hierarchy of Control
• 9.0 Design, Procurement and Engineering Controls for Noise
• 10.0 Administrative Controls (Work Practices, Scheduling and Signage)
• 11.0 Hearing Protection Program – Selection, Fit, Use and Maintenance
• 12.0 Audiometric Testing and Health Monitoring Requirements
• 13.0 Training, Information, Instruction and Consultation
• 14.0 Contractor and Visitor Noise Management Requirements
• 15.0 Emergency Situations, Alarms and Communication in High Noise Areas
• 16.0 Recordkeeping, Documentation and Confidentiality
• 17.0 Inspection, Review, Continuous Improvement and Audit
• 18.0 Non-conformance, Corrective Actions and Reporting
• 19.0 References, Tools, Forms and Checklists

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Act
• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Part 4.1 Hazardous Work (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 1269.4: Occupational noise management – Auditory assessment