Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work 5.4-TEST: Provide audiometric testing for workers frequently required to use hearing protectors against noise above the exposure standard: within three months of starting such work, then at least every two years, more often where LAeq,8h is 100 dB(A) or more, after consulting workers and HSRs, by competent persons under AS/NZS 1269.4, well into the shift, with results and a written explanation given to each worker, individual results shared only with consent, de-identified and group data given to HSRs, and changes in hearing investigated

What does 5.4-TEST require?

Under WHS Regulation 58 a PCBU must provide audiometric testing for a worker who is frequently required to use personal hearing protectors as a control for noise exceeding the exposure standard. Testing must be provided within three months of the worker starting such work, and starting before exposure (new starters, job changes) gives a baseline; regular follow-up tests must be carried out at least every two years, taken well into the shift so temporary loss can be detected, and more often where exposures are at or above an LAeq,8h of 100 dB(A). Before introducing the programme the PCBU must consult workers and their HSRs, and workers should understand that testing evaluates how well the controls protect their hearing. Testing and assessment of audiograms are carried out by competent persons under AS/NZS 1269.4. Workers receive their results with a written explanation of their meaning and implications; an individual's results go to other parties only with the worker's consent, while unidentifiable individual results and group data are made available to the HSRs of the work group; the reasons for any change in hearing levels over time are thoroughly investigated.