Administrative noise control measures
Administrative noise control measures should be used when it is not possible to reduce noise exposure through engineering noise control measures. These include:
- organising schedules so that noisy work is done during a particular part of the shift or when as few people as possible are present
- notifying people in advance when noisy work is to be carried out so that they can limit their exposure to it
- keeping people out of noisy areas if their job does not require them to be there
- sign-posting noisy areas and providing quiet areas for food and rest breaks
- limiting the time workers spend in noisy areas by moving them to quiet work areas before their daily noise exposure levels are exceeded
It is not always possible to reduce noise emissions for some machines and equipment, for example, large ball mills, angle grinders and explosive powered tools. In these cases, the operator should be protected through the best available means possible.
Following are some administrative noise control measures that can be used depending on the noise levels at the workplace:
Equipment maintenance programs
Maintaining machines and equipment in good condition will reduce noise. This should include modifications or additions such as noise mufflers, vibration isolators, or duct silencers.
'Buy quiet' program
Opportunities for implementing a 'buy quiet' program arise when:
- plans are being made for the building and setting up of a workplace
- expansion or refurbishment of the workplace is being considered
- new plant and equipment is to be purchased or existing plant is to be replaced
Job rotation
Job rotation involves changing tasks carried out by workers to prevent exposure to excessive noise.
For further detailed information on administrative noise controls and noise levels, check Section 5.3 of the Noise Advisory Standard 2004 (now known as a Code of Practice).
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