Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426:reg:0:p8
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 0 (pt 8/20)
Character Range: 42697–45633

user is wearing regular work equipment. Workers wearing spectacles should be fitted with hearing protectors while wearing the spectacles.

Maintenance
Personal hearing protectors must be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure they remain in good, clean condition. The inspections should check that:
    * ear-muff seals are undamaged
    * the tension of headbands is not reduced
    * there are no unofficial modifications
    * compressible ear-plugs are soft, pliable and clean.
If disposable ear-plugs are used, they should only be worn once.

You must provide your workers with training, information and instruction in the proper use, fit, care and maintenance of personal hearing protectors. You should also:

    * include the need to wear hearing protectors in your safety procedures
    * place someone in charge of issuing and making sure replacements are readily available
    * carry out spot checks to ensure that workers are wearing their hearing protectors when required and are using them correctly
    * ensure all managers and supervisors set a good example and wear personal hearing protectors at all times when in hearing protector areas.

5.7 Audiometric testing
Regulation 58: A person conducting a business or undertaking must provide audiometric testing for a worker who is carrying out work for the business or undertaking if the worker is required to frequently use personal hearing protectors as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard.
Audiometric testing must be provided within three months of the worker commencing work. Starting the audiometric testing before people are exposed to hazardous noise (such as new starters or those changing jobs) provides a baseline as a reference for future audiometric test results. Regular follow-up tests must be carried out at least every two years. These should be undertaken well into the work shift so that any temporary hearing loss can be picked up.

More frequent audiometric testing (e.g. every six months) may be needed if exposures are at a high LAeq,8h, which is equal or greater than 100 dB(A).
Before introducing an audiometric testing program, you must consult with your workers and their health and safety representatives. It is important that your workers understand that the aim of the testing is to evaluate the effectiveness of control measures to protect their hearing.
Audiometric testing and assessment of audiograms should be carried out by competent persons in accordance with the procedures in AS/NZS 1269.4:2005 - Occupational noise management - Auditory assessment.
Workers should be given the results of audiometric testing accompanied by a written explanation of the meaning and implications. Only with the consent of the worker should you provide their results to other parties. Unidentifiable individual results and group data should be made available to health and safety representatives of the worker's work