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Appendix 1 - extract from the Workplace Health and Safety Regulation 1997

Part 10 Noise

68 What is excessive noise

‘excessive noise’ is a level of noise above:

an 8 hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level of 85 dB(A), referenced to 20 µPa¹⁷ ; or
a C-weighted peak sound pressure level of 140 dB(C), referenced to 20 µPa.¹⁸

(2) For subsection (1), the sound pressure level is the level determined at the worker’s ear without regard to the protection available to a worker wearing hearing protectors, and measured:

for an 8 hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level of 85 dB(A)— under AS/NZS 1269.1;¹⁹ or
for a C-weighted peak sound pressure level of 140 dB(C)— by a sound level meter with a peak detector indicator complying with AS 1259.1.²⁰

69 Preventing risk from exposure to excessive noise

(1) A relevant person who is an employer must not expose the employer’s workers to excessive noise at work.

(2) Subsection (1) is a workplace health and safety obligation for the Act.

¹⁷ The symbol for this sound pressure level is LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A). ‘µPa’ means micropascals.

¹⁸ The symbol for this sound pressure level is LC,peak 140 dB. ‘µPa’ means micropascals.

¹⁹ Australian Standard AS/NZS 1269.1 (Occupational noise management—Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure)

²⁰ AS 1259.1 (Acoustics—Sound Level Meters – Non-integrating) has been superseded by is available on Standards Australia’s website at www.standards.com.au, or may be purchased from Standards Australia, 232 St Paul’s Terrace, Fortitude Valley, 4006 AS IEC 61672.1 (Electroacoustics-Sound level meters-Specifications).

Last updated 22 July 2008

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