Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426:reg:0:p3
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 0 (pt 3/20)
Character Range: 29827–32593

reduced recovery time between successive shifts.
If workers work shifts of 10 hours or more, the adjustment factor for extended shifts as set out in AS/NZS 1269.1 (see Table 3) should be added to the measured LAeq,8h before comparing it with the 85 dB(A) exposure standard for noise.
Table 3 Adjustments to LAeq,8h for extended work shifts

Shift length                        Adjustment added to measured
                                     LAeq,8h dB(A)
10 hrs or more to less than 14 hrs  + 1
14 hrs or more to less than 20 hrs  + 2
20 hrs or more                      + 3

For example, if a worker works 12-hour shifts and the typical LAeq,8h has been determined to be 93 dB(A), an additional one decibel is added to give an adjusted LAeq,8h of 94 dB(A). Hence the worker's LAeq,8h exceeds the exposure standard for noise by 9 dB(A). For a fully worked example see Appendix C.
If workers work more than five days per week, the weekly averaging procedure of AS/NZS 1269.1 should be used.

4.4 What information should be included in a noise assessment report?
Noise assessment reports should show that the assessment was done properly and that all factors were taken into account. An assessment report should contain all the information shown in Appendix D. Noise assessment reports should be used to select appropriate control measures. The main findings should be included in training for all workers. The reports should be made available to managers, health and safety representatives and regulators.

5. HOW TO CONTROL THE RISKS

The most important step in the risk management process involves eliminating the risks, or if that is not reasonably practicable, minimising the risks so far as is reasonably practicable.

5.1 The hierarchy of risk control
The WHS Regulations require duty holders to work through a hierarchy of control to choose the control measure that most effectively eliminates or minimises the risk in the circumstances. The hierarchy ranks the ways of controlling the risk of hearing loss from noise from the highest level of protection and reliability to the lowest so that the most effective controls are considered first.

Effective risk control may involve a single control measure or a combination of two or more different controls.

Eliminate the risk
The most effective control measure is to eliminate the source of noise completely, for example by ceasing to use a noisy machine, changing the way work is carried out so hazardous noise is not produced or by not introducing the hazard 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