Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426:reg:0:p4
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 0 (pt 4/20)
Character Range: 32349–35096

into the workplace.

Minimise the risk
If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the source of noise, you must minimise the risk associated with hearing loss so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes ensuring that the noise does not exceed the exposure standard by choosing one or more of the following measures:
    * substitute the hazard with plant or processes that are quieter
    * modify plant and processes to reduce the noise using engineering controls
    * isolate the source of noise from people by using distance, barriers, enclosures and sound-absorbing surfaces.
If there is a remaining risk, it must be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable by implementing administrative controls, and if a risk still remains, then suitable personal protective equipment must be provided and used. These two types of control measures, when used on their own, tend to be least effective in minimising risks because they rely on human behaviour and supervision.

5.2  Substituting plant or processes to reduce noise

Buy 'quiet'
One of the most cost-effective and long-term ways of reducing noise at work is to introduce a purchasing and hiring policy to choose the quietest plant for the job. This can be done by obtaining information on noise emission (for example, data on sound power level or sound pressure level at the operator position) from the manufacturer, importer or supplier of plant and comparing it to determine the quietest plant.
Ask the suppliers about the likely noise emission under the particular conditions in which you will operate the machinery, as well as under standard test conditions. If you ask the same question to all suppliers you can compare information. Sound power level data will only ever be a guide as many factors affect the actual noise levels experienced by your workers, but it will help you buy quieter machines.

You should purchase or hire only from suppliers who can demonstrate a low noise design, with noise control as a standard part of the machine, not as an optional extra.

Change the way you do the job
A different way of doing the job may provide the same result with a lot less noise. For example, bending metal in a vice or a press is quieter than hammering it into shape, welding is generally quieter than riveting, gluing is quieter than hammering in nails, clipping is quieter than stapling, and lowering materials in a controlled manner is quieter than dropping them on hard surfaces.

5.3 Using engineering controls
A good understanding of the operation of the plant or process is necessary when considering ways of minimising noise at its source.
Examples of engineering control measures include:

    * eliminating impacts between hard objects or surfaces
    *