Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00412:body:0:p31
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00412
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 84159–87008

inadvertently entering the confined space).

Hazards that may be encountered in a confined space include:
    * chemical agents including combustible gases or vapours, toxic gases or vapours, combustible or toxic liquids or solids, or potentially explosive dusts
    * flammable atmospheres, fire or explosion can result from an ignition source such
       as a sparking or electrical tool
    * oxygen deficiency or excess, and
    * physical agents including thermal extremes, radiation, noise or flooding.
Further guidance on how to work safely in confined spaces is available in the Code of Practice: Confined space.

5.5 Heat
Exposure to extreme heat is particularly hazardous when working outdoors in direct sunlight,
on hot days, humid environments or in confined spaces. Wearing PPE can restrict air movement and sweat evaporation which can prevent the worker's body from undergoing natural cooling due to sweat evaporation.
Working in a hot environment can be hazardous and can cause heat rash, heat stress, heat stroke and result in permanent injury or death. Heat stress can occur gradually and has a range of symptoms. While discomfort, dehydration and sweating can be easily noticed by a worker, symptoms including lack of concentration, fatigue, lethargy and confusion are less noticeable.
To prevent workers being exposed to extreme heat you should try to minimise the time that
work is undertaken outdoors in direct sunlight on hot days or in hot clothing and use ventilation.
Workers should dress in lightweight clothing, drink cool drinking water and take regular
scheduled rest breaks.

5.6 Noise

Regulation 57 A person conducting a business or undertaking must manage risks to health
and safety relating to hearing loss associated with noise. The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that the noise a worker is exposed to at the workplace does not exceed the exposure standard for noise.
Regulation 58 Audiometric testing must be provided to a worker who is frequently required to use personal protective equipment to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard.

Exposure to high noise levels can cause permanent damage to hearing. Spray painting equipment including pumps and compressors, can generate varying levels and frequencies of noise that may cause workers to be exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard. Typical noise levels
of plant and work practices used in spray painting range between 82 and 110dB(A). Typical noise sources at operator ear level are:
    * sander (air or electric) 82 – 100 dB(A)
    * nine inch angle grinder 97 – 110 dB(A)
    * air compressor 85 – 89 dB(A)
    * inside a spray booth 75 – 91 dB(A), and
    * processes involving compressed air 93–110 dB(A)
The exposure standard for noise is defined