Noise and Sound Protocol

1. The purpose of our protocol

Our protocol sets out how Adelaide University safely manages noise and sound on Adelaide University premises or during university-related activities.

This protocol should be read in conjunction with the Hazard Management Procedure which gives effect to the Wellbeing and Safety Policy.

2. Our protocol applies to

2.1 Inclusions

• Members of our Adelaide University Community
• Any facilities engaged by the University Any plant / equipment owned, leased, designed, manufactured, installed and hired by the University

2.2 Exclusions

• Manually powered hand-held tools (e.g. a hammer, screwdriver) that are designed to primarily be held and used by hand and emit a very low level of noise and sound (except for explosive powered power tools).

3. Our noise and sound protocols

3.1 Roles and responsibility

University roles and responsibilities for managing Wellbeing and Safety risks, including those risks associated with managing noise and sound safety, are set out in the Hazard Management Procedure.

3.2 Ensuring noise and sound management

The table below outlines key roles and responsibilities for the management of noise and sound safety

4. Definitions used in our protocol

The following definitions are applicable to this protocol, for generic Adelaide University definitions refer to the Glossary of Terms.

Decibel (dB) – is the unit for measuring sound levels.

Exposure standard for noise – is defined in the WHS Regulations 2012 (SA) as an LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) or an LC,peak of 140 dB(C). There are two parts to the exposure standard for noise because noise can either cause gradual hearing loss over a period of time or be so loud that it causes immediate hearing loss. Any exposure above this peak can create almost instant damage to hearing.

Hazardous noise – in relation to hearing loss means noise and sound that exceeds the exposure standard for noise in the workplace.

LAeq,8h – means the eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level in decibels, referenced to 20 micropascals, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.1.  This is related to the total amount of noise energy a person is exposed to in the course of their working day.  It takes account of both the noise level and the length of time the person is exposed to it. An unacceptable risk of hearing loss occurs at LAeq,8h values above 85 dB(A).

LC,peak – means the C-weighted peak sound pressure level in decibels, referenced to 20 micropascals, determined in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.1. It usually relates to loud, sudden noises such as a gunshot or hammering. LC,peak values above 140 dB(C) can cause immediate damage to individuals hearing.

Noise – a mechanical force or vibration which travels in waves through a medium such as solid, liquid or gas of a levels strong enough to be heard.

Noise Monitoring / Survey – an assessment which helps to:

• Identify which workers are at risk of hearing loss
• Determine which noise and sound sources and process are causing the risk
• Identify if and what kind of noise and sound sources control measures could be implemented
• Check the effectiveness of exiting control measures

A noise assessment should be done by a competent person in accordance with the procedures in AS/NZS 1269.1 Measurement and assessment of noise emission and exposure.  The more complex the situation, the more knowledgeable and experienced the person needs to be.

A competent person is one who has accurately calibrated noise measuring instruments and, through training and experience:

• understands what is required by the WHS Regulations for noise
• knows how to check the performance of the instruments
• knows how to take the measurements properly
• can interpret the results of the noise measurements.

Noise Measuring Devices – includes sound level meters, which measure the intensity of sound in an environment, and noise dosimeters, which measure a person’s cumulative noise exposure over a period.

Sound - is a vibration that travels as an acoustic wave through a medium like a gas, liquid or solid. They can have different properties such as loudness and pitch.

5. How our protocol is governed

5.1 Compliance

Noise and sound management at Adelaide University is conducted in compliance with the following established regulations and guidelines:

Legislation & Code of Practice

• Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2012 (SA)
• Code of Practice for Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work (2024).

Australian Standards

• AS/NZS 1269.1 Measurement and assessment of noise emission and exposure
• AS/NZS 1269.3 Occupational Noise management – hearing protector program
• AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics – hearing protectors
• AS/NZS 1269.4 Occupational noise management – Auditory assessment

5.2 Governance

This protocol is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. History of changes

Note on structures, positions and position titles:

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions and position titles for Adelaide University have not all been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose position titles in this procedure until position titles for Adelaide University are know.

Appendix A – Common noise sources and their typical sound levels in dB(A)

This table can be used to compare noise in the workplace with sounds that are loud as or louder than 85 dB(A). Refer to Code of Practice - Managing noise and Preventing Hearing loss at work.

Appendix B – Equivalent Noise Exposure Limits

Whether the exposure standard (85 dB(A) averaged over eight hours) is exceeded depends on the level of noise and sound involved and how long workers are exposed to it. Peak noise and sound levels greater than 140 dB(c) usually occur with impact or explosive noise such as sledgehammering or a gun shot.

Any exposure above this peak can cause almost instant damage to hearing. The decibel scale is logarithmic. On this scale, an increase of 3 dB therefore represents a doubling (or twice as much) sound energy. This means that every 3 dB increase in noise and sound level can cause the same damage in half the time. Table 1 provides examples of the length of time a person without hearing protection can be exposed before the standard (LAeq8h = 85 dB(A) is exceeded (as per the Code of Practice “Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work”).

NOTE: shift durations of 10 hours or longer involve a degree of risk greater than that indicated by the 8-hour measurement LAeq,8h.

This increase in risk arises because of additional damaging effect of continuous exposure to noise over 10 hours.

The risk may be further increased if there is reduced recovery time between successive shifts. For extended periods longer than eight hours refer to the adjusted exposure standard within the Code of Practice ‘Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work’.

Appendix C - Ototoxic Substances Information

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 the 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-malarial, anti-arthritic and antibiotic drugs. Quinine and salicylic acids (such as aspirin) are also considered to be ototoxic substances.

Table below lists those ototoxic substances 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 nay of the substances listed in the table below be reduced to 80dB(A) or below. They should also undergo audiometric testing and be given information on ototoxic substances.

Control measures such as substitution, isolation and local ventilation should be implemented to eliminate or reduce chemical exposures. Personal protective equipment should be used to prevent skin and respiratory absorption when other controls are insufficient.