Elimination of noise is the most effective way to prevent risks to workers and should be considered when new equipment is purchased or procured for workplaces. Low noise equipment should be selected when possible. A project manager or the equivalent person is responsible for demonstrating that equipment noise levels have been considered as part of the selection process. The control of noise generation/exposure should be considered at every stage of a project and recorded with suitable controls. Site management should monitor activities and determine when noise assessments are required. Occupational noise assessments should be undertaken by a competent person using a calibrated noise meter and should include an octave band analysis. A results sheet should be used for this purpose. Where a noise problem is identified all reasonable steps should be taken to reduce the noise at source and should consider both equipment and workplace design and maintenance. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as ear plugs and ear muffs should be used as a last resort, after all efforts to eliminate or reduce the source of the noise have been exhausted. Ear protection should be selected from the approved PPE list and should be appropriate for the type and duration of the noise, be compatible with other PPE and correctly stored and maintained. Documentation relating to the noise hazards should be retained at a work site. In larger companies, upon completion of the project all information should be archived at the company's head office including noise risk assessments, induction and briefing records, PPE issue records, health surveillance records and noise monitoring/measurements.
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