Information and training for workers
Information and training should be given to workers including the following points:
- what noise is and how to assess it
- the range of health effects due to noise
- the social effects on the person's life, and that of family and friends, of noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus
- noise control policy and hearing conservation program
- the noise exposures in the particular workplace
- legal responsibilities for controlling excessive noise in the workplace
- the control measures which are used in the workplace for the protection of exposed workers
- the specific control measures necessary for each of the exposed worker positions and the correct use, operation and maintenance of noise control equipment
- correct use of personal hearing protectors
- arrangements for reporting of defects likely to cause excessive noise
The training should be provided to managers, supervisors, workers and staff responsible for purchasing plant, noise control equipment and personal hearing protectors.
Consultation should take place between employers and workers in the planning stage about the introduction or purchase of potentially noisy plant or changes to existing plant in the workplace.
For further detail on the requirement to provide information, training and consultation with workers, check section 2.1 of the Noise Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice) .
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