Noise exposure and control
Occupational noise includes all sound in the workplace, whether it’s wanted or unwanted. It’s one of the most common occupational health and safety hazards and can occur in many different environments.
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent hearing damage and affect your quality of life. That’s why it’s important to understand the risks and take steps to eliminate or reduce exposure.
Nuisance noise
Nuisance noise doesn’t cause hearing loss, but it can affect your concentration, mood and performance at work. It can come from many sources and may be difficult to control.
Even though it’s not physically harmful, nuisance noise should still be minimised where possible. It’s best managed locally by teams or supervisors who understand the work environment.
Noise exposure regulations
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, Monash University must ensure that its employees are not exposed to noise exceeding the noise exposure standard.
- dB (A)
- 'A' weighted decibels, which approximates how the human ear responds to noise at moderate levels.
- dB (C)
- 'C' weighted decibels, which approximates how the human ear responds to noise at very high levels.
Even small increases in noise level can significantly reduce the safe exposure time. For example:
- 85 dB(A) is safe for 8 hours
- 88 dB(A) is safe for 4 hours
- 91 dB(A) is safe for 2 hours.
This shows how quickly exposure limits drop as noise increases.
Sound level measurement
Typical noise levels for various areas and equipment
View
Noise assessment
If you're unsure whether noise levels in your area are safe, a noise assessment can help identify risks and guide improvements.
As a general rule, if you need to raise your voice to be heard by someone standing one metre away, the noise level is likely around 80 dB(A) or higher and should be assessed.
A noise assessment involves:
- measuring noise from equipment and processes
- checking the level of noise reaching the worker’s ears
- identifying ways to reduce exposure.
To arrange a noise assessment, contact Health Safety & Wellbeing at hsw@monash.edu
Controlling noise levels
Legislation requires that noise exposure must be controlled in a systematic way and must start with an effort to remove the source of noise from the work environment or to reduce the amount of noise that is generated.
The most effective way to manage noise is to reduce it at the source, and should be the primary control. This is often more reliable than using personal protective equipment (PPE) like earplugs.
Here are some ways to reduce noise at the source:
- Rethink how a task is done (e.g. use a vice instead of a hammer to bend metal).
- Install springs or rubber strips to reduce vibration and resonance.
- Enclose noisy equipment with sound-absorbing materials.
- Move noisy equipment away from work areas.
- Choose quieter equipment when purchasing new machinery.
Keeping equipment well-maintained can also reduce noise – machines in good condition usually run more quietly.
If noise can’t be eliminated at the source, administrative or secondary controls can help reduce exposure. These include:
- training staff on noise risks
- using signs to mark noisy areas
- limiting time spent in noisy areas through job rotation
- setting up restricted access zones.
If these measures don’t reduce noise to a safe level, you’ll need to use PPE such as earplugs or earmuffs.
Hearing protection should only be used when other noise control measures aren’t enough. The type of protection you use should match the level of noise exposure in your area:
- Earplugs are often more convenient than earmuffs, but they usually offer less protection, especially if not fitted correctly.
- Earmuffs generally provide more consistent protection and are easier to fit properly.
If you're using earplugs, make sure you:
- know how to fit them correctly
- follow the instructions carefully
- follow proper fitting techniques.
Hearing protection can wear out over time; earmuff headbands can stretch, seals can harden and foam can deteriorate.
To stay protected, make sure your hearing protection is regularly checked and replaced when needed. A maintenance program should be in place to ensure it stays effective.
Buy Quiet policy
Choosing quieter equipment helps reduce noise risks before they enter the workplace, and supports a safer, more comfortable environment.
The Buy Quiet policy encourages departments to consider noise levels when purchasing equipment. Australian suppliers are required to provide noise data for their products, so you can make informed decisions.
Quieter equipment may cost more upfront, but it often:
- lasts longer
- performs better
- reduces the need for retrofitting or PPE
- improves the overall work environment.
All departments where staff or students may be exposed to high noise levels are encouraged to adopt a Buy Quiet approach.
If you're purchasing equipment, check the noise rating and speak to your supervisor or the procurement team for advice.
Audiometry
If you're required to wear hearing protection at work, you'll also need regular hearing tests to monitor your hearing health. The HSW team can provide advice on audiometric testing as part of its health surveillance program.
Need help?
For further information, contact Health, Safety & Wellbeing at hsw@monash.edu