Description

Welcome to the Noise Induction Training Course. This course has been designed to provide you with an understanding of the controls that should be applied to noise in the workplace.

This course will provide you with information about:

• what noise is and ways that you may be exposed to it, and
• controls that should be applied to reduce the risk associated with noise.

This course has been reviewed by a recognised subject matter expert.

It has been designed to comply with best practice national health and safety standards. Terminology has been chosen for clarity and ease of comprehension across jurisdictions. For example, ‘employer’ has been used to signify the broader term ‘PCBU’, while ‘WHS’ represents both work and occupational health and safety.

This training is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If you require further advice or information, please contact the health and safety regulator in your jurisdiction. 

What is noise?

Noise means any unwanted or damaging sound. When noise exceeds the exposure standard as defined by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, it is referred to as hazardous noise.

Hazardous noise is:

• exposure to the equivalent of more than 85 dB(A) averaged over eight hours, which relates to the total amount of noise exposure during a working day and which can cause gradual hearing loss, or
• exposure to sudden noises that have a peak value greater than 140 dB(C), which can cause immediate hearing damage.

Exposure to noise

You may be exposed to noise levels when:

• using pneumatic tools
• using power tools
• using communication devices, for example, telephones and radios
• using motorised equipment
• working in the vicinity of running plant items, or
• working in the vicinity of high speed traffic.

If you are exposed to noise that chronically interferes with communication and concentration, you may experience other adverse health effects, which include an increased risk of:

• fatigue
• cardiovascular disorders
• high blood pressure, and
• heart disease.

A Certificate of Completion is issued on successful completion of the course and you are required to get an 80% pass mark to be deemed as understanding the content. It is recommended that training is conducted every 2 years to stay refreshed.