Control music and entertainment noise by reducing it at the source, separating workers from loud areas, limiting exposure time and using suitable hearing protection where residual risk remains. Builders and tradies can make a major difference through venue layout, acoustic treatments and equipment positioning before the space becomes operational.
Information current: 8 August 2026. Local requirements vary, so check current regulator material for the jurisdiction where the work is performed.
Why entertainment noise needs attention
Live music, amplified systems, rehearsals, recorded music and sound effects can expose performers, technicians, security staff, hospitality workers and contractors to hazardous noise. Repeated excessive exposure can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus.
Noise can also make instructions, alarms and verbal warnings harder to hear. This matters during fitouts, staging, rigging and event bump-in work, where music testing may occur alongside power tools, mobile plant, generators or other noisy equipment.
The Western Australian Code covers venues where workers or self-employed people are present and live or recorded entertainment music is likely to exceed the noise exposure standard. It specifically identifies venue designers and builders among the people who can use the Code.
A useful early warning sign is needing to raise your voice to be understood by someone about 1 metre away. The Code says this indicates that the A-weighted sound level is likely to be above 85 decibels. It is a prompt for action, not a substitute for a competent noise assessment.
What should be sorted before work starts
Noise control should be considered during design, procurement and work planning, not after complaints or symptoms appear. Before construction, commissioning or an event begins:
- identify who may be exposed, including workers in bars, kitchens, doors, loading areas, control positions and temporary work zones
- consult the venue operator, builder, production manager, sound supplier, contractors and workers about planned sound levels and work locations
- review the stage, speaker, monitor and amplifier positions against fixed workstations and access routes
- decide who may adjust the system, who monitors levels and what happens when agreed limits are exceeded
- arrange competent noise assessment where exposure may be significant or the existing information is unreliable
- coordinate entertainment noise with construction noise, plant movement, emergency arrangements and public access.
The Code recommends assessment during a performance typical of the venue's louder performances. It also recommends documenting the reduction in sound between a reference position and worker locations, described as room loss.
Controls and documents that usually matter
Start with controls that change the source, layout or transmission of sound. Practical options can include reducing system output, using smaller or better-directed speakers, moving speakers away from workers, reorienting the stage, providing acoustic separation and adding suitable sound-absorbing finishes.
Administrative measures can then reduce the remaining exposure. Examples include scheduling noisy testing when fewer people are present, restricting access, rotating workers between noisy and quiet duties, providing quiet rest areas and setting clear monitoring and response rules. Hearing protection should address residual exposure while the higher-order controls continue to be applied.
Useful project and venue records commonly include:
- a noise risk assessment and competent measurement report
- an acoustic or venue design brief
- a noise management plan or safe work procedure
- agreed sound settings and monitoring instructions
- induction, training and consultation records
- hearing protection selection, issue and maintenance records
- review records following layout, equipment or performance changes.
The Code recommends remeasuring music levels after significant changes to instruments, performers, amplification, speaker systems or the musical performance. Measurement results should be documented and made available to affected workers.
When a SWMS or site-specific document applies
For construction, rigging or fitout work, check whether the activity meets a high risk construction work category under the applicable local requirements. Where it does, prepare the required SWMS and include hazardous noise where it affects the work method, exclusion zones, communication, supervision or protective equipment.
For rehearsals, performances, sound checks and ordinary venue operations, a site-specific noise risk assessment, noise management plan, safe work procedure or event safety plan will often be the more relevant control document. These documents should reflect the actual venue, equipment, worker positions, performance duration and monitoring arrangements.
Practical warning signs
Stop and review the controls when:
- workers must shout at close range
- ringing ears, muffled hearing or discomfort is reported
- speakers or stages have moved without a noise review
- sound checks overlap with noisy construction or bump-in work
- hearing protection is the only control being used
- agreed levels are repeatedly exceeded
- casual workers, subcontractors or visiting crews have not been briefed
- alarms, radios or safety instructions cannot be heard reliably.
How Blue Safe can help
Blue Safe provides compliant WHS documents tailored to the client's activities, applicable Australian WHS/OHS requirements, jurisdiction and industry. Blue Safe guarantees the document compliance of the WHS documents it provides, including eligible customer documents after Blue Safe has reviewed and upgraded them.
Blue Safe can prepare or upgrade noise risk assessments, noise management procedures, SWMS and supporting consultation, training and record templates. Customers actively put the compliant documents into practice through controls, consultation, training, actions, records and evidence.
Official sources
- WorkSafe WA - Code of practice: Control of noise in the music entertainment industry
- WA Work Health and Safety Act 2020
- WA Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022
A national Model Code should be treated as general orientation rather than automatically applicable law. Confirm the current requirements and regulator guidance in the relevant state or territory.