Noise
Some indicative noise levels from plant and machinery that expose rural workers to excessive noise includes:
- Chainsaw operation - 120dB(A).
- A pig shed at feeding time - 105dB(A).
- Tractors operating under load without a cab - 100dB(A).
- Angle grinders and grain augers - 95dB(A).
- Shotguns/rifles - 140dB(C).
- Aircraft at 15m - 140dB(A).
Read more on the hazards of noise.
Some of the ways to reduce noise exposure on the farm include:
- Buy quieter machinery and equipment and keep it well maintained to reduce rattles and vibration.
- Apply vibration-reducing mats under stationary machinery and stiffening plates to vibrating surfaces.
- Fit sound absorbent materials to walls and ceilings of noisy workshops.
- Rearrange workshops so noisy tools are located towards the front or openings of the shed to disperse the noise outside.
- Wear suitable hearing protection like earmuffs or ear plugs near noisy equipment or when discharging a firearm.
When selecting hearing protection, it must be comfortable, effective and suitable for the job and meet AS/NZS 1270 Acoustics – Hearing Protectors (non-Queensland Government link). Ear muffs should be tried before buying to ensure comfort and to check the seal around the ear is adequate.
The hearing protection selected must provide an appropriate attenuation of the noise to which the person is being exposed.
General purpose earmuffs for the farm will have a Class 3 or 4 rating, or an SLC80 rating between 18 and 25 decibels. The SLC80 stands for Sound Level Conversion valid for 80% of wearers and indicates the noise level reduction in decibels expected when the protectors are worn correctly. For some farm equipment and firing firearms, hearing protectors with a Class 5 rating or SLC80 of 30 decibels or greater are required to provide protection.
Ear muffs and re-usable ear plugs should be cleaned with lukewarm soapy water, dried and stored in an airtight container to keep them hygienic when not in use. Disposable ear plugs should not be re-used.
Keep the ear plugs or muffs in a tractor cab or near a chainsaw or rifle and display signs near equipment to remind workers to wear them.
Firearms should never be fired without wearing hearing protection with a very high rating protection level. Wearing a combination of ear plugs and ear muffs is recommended.
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