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Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
Australia (Commonwealth, states and territories that have adopted the model WHS laws)
vNovember 2024 edition (replaces the 2020 edition)
7 domains
34 controls
Safe Work Australia's model code for hazardous noise: the PCBU duty to keep exposure within the 85 dB(A) and 140 dB(C) exposure standard, officer due diligence, consultation with workers and other duty holders, training, identification of noisy work, competent noise assessment with extended-shift adjustments, the hierarchy of controls with buy-quiet purchasing, maintenance and review, a hearing protector programme to AS/NZS 1269.3, audiometric testing within three months and at least every two years, ototoxic and vibration co-exposure, acoustic shock in headset work, and the noise design and information duties of designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers.
Verified
Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work is a compliance framework from Australia (Commonwealth, states and territories that have adopted the model WHS laws) with 7 domains and 34 controls. The largest domains are 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 (13 controls), Chapter 6 Role of designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers, and acoustic shock – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (8 controls), Chapter 1 Introduction: duty holders, the risk management process, consultation, information, training, instruction and supervision – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (5 controls). Every control below carries what it requires and what an assessor expects to see.
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Framework Domains (7)
Appendix B Other causes of hearing loss: vibration and ototoxic substances – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
1 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::B | Where workers are exposed to ototoxic substances or vibration together with noise, reduce daily noise exposure to 80 dB(A) or below, provide audiometric testing and information on ototoxic substances, control chemical exposure by substitution, isolation and local ventilation with PPE against skin and respiratory absorption as a last resort, and reduce vibration at the source, along its path and at the worker, considering remote-controlled plant |
Chapter 1 Introduction: duty holders, the risk management process, consultation, information, training, instruction and supervision – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
5 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::1.1-OFFICERS | Officers exercise due diligence to ensure the PCBU complies, including reasonable steps to secure appropriate resources and processes to eliminate or minimise noise risk |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::1.1-PCBU | PCBU primary duty for noise: eliminate noise risk or minimise it so far as is reasonably practicable, manage risks of hearing loss, ensure no worker's exposure exceeds the exposure standard of LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) or LC,peak 140 dB(C), and provide audiometric testing where hearing protectors are frequently required |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::1.2-CONSULT | Consult workers directly affected by noise, including contractors, labour hire and others who work for the PCBU, with their elected health and safety representatives given access to noise exposure and emission data and control options, and engage the health and safety committee |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::1.2-COORD | Consult, cooperate and coordinate with every other duty holder sharing responsibility for the same noise matter, exchanging information on who is doing what so that risks are eliminated or minimised together |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::1.3 | Provide information, training, instruction and supervision suited to the work, its noise risks and the controls in place, delivered understandably by a competent person, covering responsibilities, how noise harms hearing, the effects of hearing loss and tinnitus, the noisy tasks and likely exposure, how to use controls, how to select, fit, wear, maintain and store hearing protectors, how to report defects and concerns, and the purpose of audiometric testing |
Chapter 2 Noise and its effects on health and safety: hearing loss, the exposure standard, psychosocial hazards, warning signals – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
2 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::2.3 | Treat noise as a psychosocial hazard even below hearing-damage levels: keep levels below about 50 dB(A) for work needing high concentration or effortless conversation and 70 dB(A) for routine work needing speed, attentiveness or conversation, counting noise from other work, and consider noise with other psychosocial hazards |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::2.4 | Make sure warning signals can be heard above ambient noise: reversing alarms on mobile plant per ISO 9533 at least as loud as the engine at high idle, and other signals at least 65 dB(A) and more than 15 dB(A) above ambient at every reception point, assessed per ISO 7731 |
Chapter 3 The risk management process: identifying noise hazards – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
1 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::3 | Identify noise hazards in consultation with workers and HSRs: treat raised-voice conversation at one metre as the trigger, walk through and inspect the workplace, observe work and plant, talk to workers, manufacturers, suppliers and specialists, review incident, monitoring, workers compensation and audiometric records, obtain plant noise emission information, fix obvious sources at once, and list all noisy activities, moving to assessment where exposure or control is uncertain |
Chapter 4 Assessing the risks: when, who, how, and the noise assessment report – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
4 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::4.1 | Carry out a noise assessment once hazardous noise is identified unless exposure can be brought below the standard immediately, to identify workers at risk, the sources and processes causing it, the controls needed and the effectiveness of existing controls; measurement may be unnecessary for a single machine with manufacturer data but is needed for variable exposures |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::4.2 | Have noise assessments done by a competent person under AS/NZS 1269.1, with understanding of the assessment objectives, the physics of sound, instrument use and limits, exposure determination methods, recording and explaining results, hearing protector evaluation, when to call in a specialist, and the applicable law and standards |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::4.3 | Conduct the noise assessment during a typical shift, measuring levels per task and exposure durations with workers consulted, at 10 to 20 cm from the ear with an integrating sound level meter or dosimeters for mobile workers, including combined and background noise and each source separately, using representative assessments for identical exposures, adding the AS/NZS 1269.1 adjustment of +1, +2 or +3 dB for shifts of 10, 14 and 20 hours or more, and weekly averaging for more than five days a week |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::4.4 | Produce a noise assessment report containing the Appendix E content, use it to select controls, include its main findings in worker training, and make it available to managers, health and safety representatives and regulators |
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
13 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::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 |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::5.3-SELECT | Select and maintain hearing protectors under AS/NZS 1269.3 with worker involvement and a reasonable choice of types, using supplier attenuation data (SLC80, class, octave band values measured per AS/NZS 1270), matching the class to the measured exposure per Table 4 without overprotecting, suiting the environment and task (earplugs versus ear-muffs for hygiene, heat, confined spaces and helmets), weighing comfort, weight and clamping force, and checking individual fit with the worker's usual equipment and spectacles |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::5.3-USE | Use personal hearing protectors only where other more effective controls cannot eliminate or minimise the risk, as an interim measure, or as extra protection; ensure they are worn for the whole exposure period since even an hour unprotected collapses the effective attenuation; and for peaks above 140 dB(C) use the firearm-grade protection in AS/NZS 1269.3 Appendix B (class 5 for impulse noise from impacts and small-calibre weapons, class 3 earplugs under ear-muffs for large-calibre weapons and blasting) |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::5.4-OTO | Monitor hearing with regular audiometric testing where workers are exposed to listed ototoxic substances above half the workplace exposure standard regardless of noise, to any ototoxic exposure with noise above 80 dB(A) LAeq,8h or 135 dB(C) peak, or to hand-arm vibration with noise above those levels |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::5.4-SHIFT | When audiometry shows a temporary or permanent threshold shift or a worker reports tinnitus, review the controls to find more effective measures that remove reliance on hearing protectors; where protectors continue, verify their nominal performance, condition, fit and consistent correct use; and where hearing loss affects safe work, modify the environment with volume controls, acoustically treated meeting areas, visual warnings or alternative work |
| 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 |
Chapter 6 Role of designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers, and acoustic shock – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
8 controls
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.1-BLDG | Designers of buildings and structures plan noise control from the start and minimise structure-borne noise so far as is reasonably practicable, considering reverberation, layout and workstation location relative to noise sources, vibration-isolated frames, floors and machine bases, isolated plant rooms, acoustic treatment of noisy areas including absorbent ceilings and floating floors, flexible joints, walls, floors, windows and doors with the needed transmission loss, carpeted offices, and sealed, ventilated sound-insulated control rooms |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.1-PLANT | Designers of plant ensure the design is without noise risk so far as is reasonably practicable, provide noise emission values, the operating conditions when measured, the measurement methods and conditions for safe use to everyone given the design, and design out noise by preventing impacts, quieter materials, acoustic guards, enclosing noisy parts, quiet drives, motors, fans and transmissions, vibration isolation, sealed doors, cooling that avoids air jets, low-speed pipelines and ducted mufflers, allowing for maintenance |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.2-INSTALL | Installers ensure plant and structures are installed, constructed or commissioned without noise risk so far as is reasonably practicable, following the designer's specifications including isolating vibrating sources on separate bases or away from the building structure, and give users information on conditions for safe use including maintenance |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.2-MANUF | Manufacturers ensure plant and structures are manufactured without noise risk so far as is reasonably practicable, with noise emission as low as reasonably practicable where it cannot be eliminated and no new hazards introduced, using and testing the designer's safety measures and low-noise materials and techniques, and provide importers and suppliers with the emission values, measurement conditions and methods and conditions for safe use |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.2-SUPPLY | Importers and suppliers ensure plant is without noise risk at supply so far as is reasonably practicable, take all reasonable steps to obtain the manufacturer's noise emission information and pass it to everyone supplied, supply all noise controls as set up in the noise test results, and provide maintenance information for safe use |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.3 | Give purchasers and users the information needed for safe use, including results of calculations, analysis and testing, the noise emission values with measurement conditions and methods, peak and where relevant continuous levels, preferably sound pressure at the operator position, the Table 5 minimum test information, and safe-use instructions in a form easily understood |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.4-CONTROL | Control acoustic shock in headset work: high-quality headsets with acoustic shock protection, prompt repair of damaged equipment and network faults, proper fitting, use and maintenance of headsets, reduced background noise through room and workstation design, absorption, barriers, quiet conduct, relocated office machines and managed hot-desk changeovers, training to detect warning sounds and remove headsets, turning volume down after changeover, managing psychosocial hazards, keeping mobile phones out of call centres, and baseline audiometry at commencement |
| australia-model-code-of-practice-managing-noise-and-preventing-hearing-loss-at-work::6.4-INCIDENT | Manage acoustic incidents: the worker removes the headset at once, moves to a break-out area where appropriate, reports the incident and symptoms and discusses continuing work; the PCBU records and logs the event, discusses the worker's ability to continue, refers persistent or severe symptoms to a GP or audiologist, investigates the internal or external cause, checks and removes damaged or faulty equipment, and reviews the noise controls and working environment |
What is Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work and who does it apply to?
Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work is a compliance framework from Australia (Commonwealth, states and territories that have adopted the model WHS laws) with 7 domains and 34 controls. Safe Work Australia's model code for hazardous noise: the PCBU duty to keep exposure within the 85 dB(A) and 140 dB(C) exposure standard, officer due diligence, consultation with workers and other duty holders, training, identification of noisy work, competent noise assessment with extended-shift adjustments, the hierarchy of controls with buy-quiet purchasing, maintenance and review, a hearing protector programme to AS/NZS 1269.3, audiometric testing within three months and at least every two years, ototoxic and vibration co-exposure, acoustic shock in headset work, and the noise design and information duties of designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers. It is used by organisations to establish and maintain compliance with industry standards and regulatory requirements.
What does Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work actually require?
Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work has 34 controls organised across 7 domains. The largest domains are 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 (13 controls), Chapter 6 Role of designers, manufacturers, importers, suppliers and installers, and acoustic shock – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (8 controls), Chapter 1 Introduction: duty holders, the risk management process, consultation, information, training, instruction and supervision – Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work (5 controls). Each control defines specific requirements that organisations must implement to achieve compliance.
If I already comply with another framework, how much of Australia Model Code of Practice Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work do I already cover?
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