National Standard for Occupational Noise
The objective of this
National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC:1007(2000)] (PDF 190kB) is to reduce significantly the incidence and severity of occupational noise-induced hearing loss.
The national exposure standard for noise in the occupational environment is an average daily exposure level of 85 decibels. This is consistent with overwhelming scientific evidence which indicates that exposure levels above 85 decibels represent an unacceptable risk to the hearing of those exposed. Many other developed countries have introduced legislation based on this standard. For peak noise, the national standard is a peak sound pressure level of 140 decibels.
The National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work [NOHSC:2009 (2004)] (PDF 492kB) provides practical guidance on how the national standard can be achieved. The national code of practice is intended to assist employers, employees, unions, management, health and safety committee representatives, safety officers, occupational health and safety professionals and others requiring guidance on understanding and reducing workplace noise exposure.
The levels specified in the national standard are the maximum acceptable exposure levels for noise in the workplace. However, over long periods, repeated noise exposure at between 75 and 85 decibels may be a small risk to some people. With progressively increasing levels, the risk becomes greater. Workplace noise levels lower than 85 decibels are, therefore, desirable, if practicable.
Copy of the National Standard and Code of Practice
National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC: 1007(2000)] (PDF Format 190kB) - (RTF Format)
National Code of Practice [NOHSC: 2009 (2004)]. (PDF Format 492kB) - (RTF Format)
History of Development of National Standard
In December 1988, the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC), concerned about noise-induced hearing loss as a major occupational disease, endorsed the
National Strategy for the Prevention of Occupational Noise-induced Hearing Loss [NOHSC:4004(1989). To further this strategy NOHSC endorsed development of a national standard and code of practice.
The draft national standard and code of practice were released for public comment in November 1989. Having considered public comment on the draft document, NOHSC declared the National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC:1007(1993)] and the National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work [NOHSC:2009(1993)] in March 1992.
In 2000 NOHSC amended the national standard and code of practice to update the measurement of peak noise from an unweighted (linear) peak sound pressure level, Lpeak, to a C-weighted peak sound pressure level, LC,peak. C-weighting measurement. C-weighting is a more reliable form of measurement when compared to the linear response to impulse noise, which may vary according to different sound measuring instruments.
In 2003 NOHSC identified inconsistencies in the National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work [NOHSC:2009 (2000)]. NOHSC agreed to revise the national code to:
- address the issues of consistency between the national code and national and international noise management models; and to
- encourage national consistency by providing an up to date and practical OHS noise management tool; and in so doing
- reduce the burden on jurisdictional Governments to develop local codes of practice or guidance material.
During 2003-04, NOHSC revised the national code and on 2 June 2004, declared the
National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work [NOHSC:2009 (2004)], 3rd Edition.
Page last updated: 09/07/2008