Noise in workplaces is one serious concern in health and safety, especially for those industries where high levels of noise are part of daily grind. Exposure to excessive noise levels can cause NIHL or noise-induced hearing loss, which is both permanent and irreversible. It hampers communication, reduces productivity, and increases the risk of accidents. Noise risk assessment is required compulsorily as it assists businesses in the protection of health and further helps them meet the standards specified by regulating authorities. In this article, we consider the importance of noise risk assessments, the steps involved, and best practices that a business should follow.
The Importance of Noise Risk Assessment:
Noise risk assessment is considered the process of identification, evaluation, and control of noise hazards at the workplace. It is an integral part of the occupational health and safety management of working places that could prevent hearing damage and maintain a safe working environment.
Health Risks of Noise Exposure:
Long-term exposure to loud noise can cause NIHL, a hearing impairment that affects millions of workers worldwide. According to Safe Work Australia, based on an average duration of 8 hours, any exposure to occupational noise in excess of 85 decibels dB presents serious risks to health from hearing loss. A sudden bursting of more than 140 dB causes immediate damage.
Other than hearing loss, the other effects of excessive noise are increased stress, fatigue, and loss of concentration. Workers exposed to hazardous noise are also at great risk of accidents, since they cannot easily communicate, hear alarm systems, and warning signals.
Legal Compliance:
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011 have made it lawfully obligatory for businesses in Australia to handle workplace noise risk. These legislations place an onus on the employer to survey the level of noise in the workplace and ensure that no worker is exposed to any form of harmful noise. Noise exposure limit set at 85 dB over an 8-hour shift and peak noise levels should not exceed 140 dB.
Failure to do a noise risk assessment and control excessive noise levels will entail some legal penalties, fines, and compensation claims, apart from some long-term health problems among the workers. A noise risk assessment helps an organization meet its legal requirements and maintain a safer workplace.
Steps in Conducting a Noise Risk Assessment:
A complete noise risk assessment involves a number of stages between the identification of hazards and the introduction of controls. The following provides a set of guidelines on the key stages of the process:
1. Noise Hazard Identification
First of all, the risk assessment has to identify areas of the workplace where noise levels could be hazardous. Normally, it is done by assessing environments where loud machinery, tools, or equipment are being used. The more common sources of noise within a workplace are listed below:
- Industrial machinery: Any machinery, such as conveyors, compressors, saws.
- Power tools: Drills and hammers
- Vehicles: Forklifts and trucks
- Ventilation and HVAC systems.
Assessment shall be made of both continuous and intermittent noise sources, and of areas where workers may be exposed to sudden bursts of loud noise.
2. Measure Noise Levels
Once the potential noise hazards have been identified, the actual measurement of noise levels in the workplace is undertaken. It is done by using specialized equipment such as:
Sound level meters are hand-held devices that take instantaneous measurements of the sound intensity at a particular instant in time. Noise dosimeters are small instruments worn by workers-a full-shift measure of personal noise exposure provides more detailed information about the actual amount of noise exposure workers receive during the course of a day.
Noise levels are conventionally measured on the A-weighted decibel scale (dBA), which represents the human ear’s perception of sound frequencies. A primary goal of any noise measurement will be to quantify the average exposure to noise over an 8-hour period, as well as any peak noise events.
3. Analyze the Data
Noise measurements will need to be followed by data processing and analysis in order to show if noise levels exceed regulatory limits of exposure. In fact, where noise levels are above 85 dB for an 8-hour shift or 140 dB for peak noise, corrective action will have to be taken in order to reduce risk.
This is often the point at which consultation with an experienced noise assessment consultant or occupational hygienist is helpful. The professional will be in a position to interpret the results and recommend appropriate measures for control, considering the conditions of the workplace.
4. Noise Control Measures Implementation
If the noise risk assessment reveals a hazardous level of noise exposure, the employer shall adopt controls. Controls could be categorized into three types:
Engineering controls: Modify the workplace or the equipment to minimize the noise at the source. Examples include but are not limited to replacement of noisy machinery with quieter models, installation of soundproof barriers between employees and noisy machinery, or use of noise dampening materials.
Administrative controls: These would involve changes in work practices so that workers are exposed to noise for the minimum period. For example, companies can rotate employees between noisy and quiet areas, plan noisy work to be done when fewer workers are present, or limit the time workers are spent in high-noise areas.
PPE: When the engineering and administrative controls are not sufficient to reduce noise exposure to safe levels, the workers are provided with personal hearing protective devices such as earplugs or earmuffs.
5. Monitor and Review
Noise levels at work may vary over time due to new equipment, changes in work procedures, or alterations in the environment. Accordingly, regular noise assessments will be necessary to make sure noise controls remain adequate and any new risks identified and dealt with.
Apart from continuous monitoring, there should be a review of the actual performance of the control measures instituted. That is, proper utilization of PPE by the workers and noise diminution strategies should work as required.
Best Practices for Noise Risk Assessment:
To effectively carry out a noise risk assessment and, simultaneously, meet WHS regulations, these best practices have to be followed in order for a business to:
1. Employ Competent Specialists
The hiring of a certified noise assessment consultant or occupational hygienist will ensure that a proper noise risk assessment is conducted and in conformance with the legal requirements. They would possess the ability and knowhow with appropriate equipment to make a judgment on noise hazards and recommend control measures for them.
2. Conduct Regular Assessments
Noise levels at the workplace tend to change over a period of time; thus, noise assessments should be carried out as a matter of routine. This happens to be very vital in those situations where there is the introduction of new machinery, alteration of work processes, or modification of existing equipment. Regular assessments highlight new risks and also ensure noise control measures are still effective.
3. Involve Employees
Sometimes, workers are more aware of noise hazards at workplaces. Involvement in the process of carrying out a noise risk assessment can give useful information to employees. In addition, such training should be given to workers on the proper use of hearing protection and the signs of hearing damage.
4. Keep Detailed Records
Records of noise assessment, control measures, and hearing conservation programs should be kept by employers. These records are required in order to demonstrate compliance with WHS regulations and evaluate their noise exposure over time.
Conclusion:
Noise risk assessment is one of the key steps toward saving employees from the hazardous effects of excessive noise exposure. Hazards of noise identified, noise levels measured, and effective control measures instituted will go a long way in providing a healthy and safe workplace. Application of regular monitoring and review, along with worker involvement and proper training, would be the other ways to ensure that risks associated with noise are effectively dealt with and businesses remain compliant with health and safety regulations. In those industries where noise is a constant hazard, a proactive approach toward noise risk assessment becomes essential for long-term success.
