What does 5.3-SELECT require?

Hearing protectors are chosen and looked after under AS/NZS 1269.3 (hearing protector programmes), with workers involved in the choice and offered a reasonable range of types. Suppliers should supply the full attenuation picture, including the SLC80 rating, the class and the octave band figures, measured under AS/NZS 1270. The PCBU weighs how much attenuation the environment needs, using Table 4 (class 1 for an LAeq,8h under 90 dB(A), class 2 from 90 to under 95, class 3 from 95 to under 100, class 4 from 100 to under 105, class 5 from 105 to under 110) while steering clear of over-protection that blocks spoken instructions and other sounds needed for safety; whether the type suits the environment and the task, since earplugs are hard to keep hygienic when inserted with dirty hands whereas ear-muffs are uncomfortable in the heat and awkward in tight spaces or with a helmet; and the comfort, weight and clamping force of the device. Fit decides how much protection a person actually gets: fitting aids exist, other gear such as hard hats, dust masks and eye protection can spoil the seal so fit is checked with that gear on, and anyone who wears spectacles is fitted wearing them.

Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and...

Other controls in Chapter 5 Controlling the risks: hierarchy of controls, maintenance and review, personal hearing protectors, audiometric testing – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work

5.1-ADMIN Use administrative controls to cut exposure time: schedule noisy work when few workers are present, give advance notice of noisy work, keep workers out of noisy areas they need not enter, provide quiet rest areas, rotate jobs before daily exposure exceeds the standard, and check regularly that administrative controls are being followed
5.1-HIER In consultation with workers and HSRs, eliminate noise risk so far as is reasonably practicable, otherwise minimise it through the hierarchy: substitute quieter plant, processes and non-ototoxic substances with a buy-quiet purchasing and hiring policy based on supplier emission data, change the way the job is done, isolate sources by distance, barriers, enclosures, absorbent surfaces and remote operation, and apply engineering controls at the source before administrative controls and PPE
5.1-MAINT Maintain plant and noise control equipment regularly, checking for changes in noise level from worn bearings and gears, poor lubrication, blunt blades, loose or unbalanced parts and air or steam leaks, and inspect and maintain vibration mounts, impact absorbers, gaskets, seals, silencers and barriers, roadways, suspensions and tyres
5.2-PLAN Implement controls through an occupational noise management plan that assigns actions, owners and dates based on the assessment and includes confirmatory measurements of attenuation achieved, purchasing and hiring specifications, training and supervision, controls for temporary work areas, and timeframes for reviewing assessments and controls
5.2-REVIEW Maintain controls so they stay fit for purpose and correctly installed and used, and review and revise them when a control fails to minimise the risk, before a change likely to create a new or different risk, when a new hazard or risk is identified, when consultation indicates it, or when an HSR requests it, using inspection, consultation, testing and records, checking the listed questions, and repeating the noise assessment on installation or removal of noise sources, changed workload or operating conditions, building changes or changed time in noisy areas
5.3-AREAS Sign-post and clearly bound hearing protector areas where people may be exposed to hazardous noise, require everyone including managers and visitors to wear protectors on entry however brief, and where signs are impracticable use warning notices on tools and equipment, written and verbal instructions on when protectors are needed, and effective supervision of hazardous tasks
5.3-MAINT Inspect and maintain hearing protectors regularly (undamaged ear-muff seals, headband tension, no unofficial modifications, soft clean earplugs, disposable plugs worn once), train workers in use, fit, care and maintenance, write the need to wear protectors into safety procedures, put someone in charge of issue and replacements, spot-check wearing and correct use, and have managers and supervisors set the example in hearing protector areas
5.3-REG44 Where PPE is used, select it to minimise risk and ensure it suits the work and hazard, fits and is reasonably comfortable, and is maintained, repaired and replaced so it keeps working and stays clean and hygienic; provide information, training and instruction in its use, wearing, storage and maintenance; workers must use it as instructed and not misuse it

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MCP endpoint All Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work controls