Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426:reg:0:p15
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 0 (pt 15/20)
Character Range: 61391–64647

test machine, details of test environment, description
                                              of measurement instrumentation and procedure. Reference to a test report containing this information will suffice

Measurement position(s)                       For example, operator's ear or 1 metre from machines

Index measured                                For example, sound pressure level or sound power level

Frequency weighting                           For example, A, C or linear

Time weighting                                For example, slow, fast or peak, or Leq

Sound level or levels determined in testing.

Units of measurement                          For example, dB re: 20 micropascals

Details of tester                             For example, name, address, telephone and/or facsimile number ,email, accreditation

Date issued

Appendix A – other Causes OF Hearing Loss in the workplace

Vibration
Studies have indicated that there is a link between exposure to hand-arm vibration and hearing loss. Workers who use equipment such as chainsaws that subject the worker to both hand-arm vibrations and to noise may be more likely to suffer from hearing loss. Tools that may expose workers to both noise and hand-arm vibration include:
    * pneumatic and electrical rotary tools such as concrete breakers, grinders, sanders and drills
    * percussive tools such as chippers and riveters
    * petrol-powered tools such as lawn-mowers, brush-cutters and chainsaws.
Control measures to reduce exposure to hand-arm vibration may involve finding alternative ways to do the work that eliminates the need to use vibrating equipment or to purchase tools that produce less vibration.

Ototoxic substances
Exposure to some chemicals can result in hearing loss. These chemicals are known as ototoxic substances. Hearing loss is more likely to occur if a worker is exposed to both noise and ototoxic substances than if exposure is just to noise or ototoxic substances alone.
There are three major classes of ototoxic substances: solvents, heavy metals and asphyxiants. Work activities that commonly combine noise and ototoxic substances include:

    * painting
    * printing
    * boat building
    * construction
    * furniture making
    * fuelling vehicles and aircraft
    * manufacturing, particularly of metal, leather and petroleum products
    * degreasing
    * fire-fighting
    * weapons firing
Some medications have also been identified as ototoxic substances. These include some anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic, anti-malarial, anti-rheumatic and antibiotic drugs. Quinine and salicylic acids (such as aspirin) are also considered to be ototoxic substances.
Table A1 below lists those ototoxic substances most commonly used in workplaces. Some of these can be absorbed through the skin and are considered particularly hazardous.
Exposure standards for chemicals and noise have not yet been altered to take account of increased risk to hearing. Until revised standards are established, it is recommended that the daily noise exposure of workers exposed to any of the substances listed in Table A1 be reduced to 80 dB(A) or below. They should also undergo audiometric testing and be given information on ototoxic