Elimination of noise has become the most effective method to stop risks to workers and must be contemplated when new equipment is purchased or secured for workplaces. Low sound equipment should be selected as soon as possible. A project manager or even the identical person is accountable for demonstrating that equipment noise levels have been considered as part of their decision process. Site management needs to track activities and determine when sound tests are demanded. As a principle if two people stood 2m apart need to increase their voices to be heard then a possible sound problem exists and also an appraisal needs to be made (all machines emitting over 85dB (A) needs to be considered to be a sound risk).

Occupational sound tests should be undertaken by a qualified individual using a calibrated noise meter and will incorporate an octave band analysis. A results sheet needs to be used for this purpose. Where a sound problem is identified most of reasonable steps should be used to reduce the noise at origin and should think about both workplace and equipment design and maintenance.

Engineering controls to incorporate this might contain isolation of their origin (enclosure, vibration damping), reduction at source or at path (enclosure, barriers, mufflers), replacement or alteration of machines (electrical rather than pneumatic) and carrying out effective preventative maintenance (restriction work-place zones and so forth ).

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as earplugs and ear muffs should be used as a very last resource, once all efforts to eliminate or reduce the origin of the noise have been drained. Ear protection ought to be selected from the approved PPE list and should be suitable for the type and length of the sound, and be harmonious with additional PPE and correctly maintained and preserved.

Personnel should really be given either suitable hearing protection in order that they could pick the most comfortable remedy. Training ought to be given in its own use, storage and maintenance. At the decrease Exposure Action Value of 80dB proper ear protection should be offered. All individuals must be informed of the noise risk. At the top Exposure Action Value 85 dB suitable ear protection ought to be given and needs to be worn at the Ear Protection Zones.
air conditioning enclosures must be plainly marked with the normal white and blue ear shade logo signs.

All personnel should receive training and information to help them understand and deal with the sound related dangers.

Documentation concerning the sound dangers should be kept at a job website. In bigger businesses, upon completion of the project all information ought to be archived at the firm’s head office including noise risk evaluations, induction and briefing records, PPE issue records, health surveillance records along with noise monitoring/measurements.