What is the workplace noise exposure standard in Australia?

The WHS Regulations 2011, Part 4.1 sets the noise exposure standard at LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) (the equivalent continuous sound level over an 8-hour day) and a peak noise level of 140 dB(C). If worker exposure exceeds either limit, the PCBU must implement controls to reduce exposure as low as reasonably practicable and provide hearing protection. Exposure above 85 dB(A) also triggers health surveillance requirements including audiometric testing.

How often should noise monitoring be conducted?

At minimum, noise monitoring should be conducted annually for known high-noise areas. Additional monitoring is required when new equipment is installed, processes change, noise controls are modified, workers report excessive noise or new work activities commence. Construction sites should be monitored at the start of each major work phase. Personal dosimetry for workers in hearing conservation programmes should be conducted at least annually.

What equipment is needed for noise monitoring?

Workplace noise monitoring requires an integrating sound level meter (Class 1 or Class 2 per AS IEC 61672.1) and a sound calibrator. For personal exposure assessment, noise dosimeters are worn by workers throughout their shift. The sound level meter must be capable of measuring LAeq and LCpeak. All instruments must be calibrated before and after each measurement session. Instruments should be maintained and serviced per the manufacturer schedule and carry a current calibration certificate.

What actions are required when noise exceeds 85 dB(A)?

When worker exposure exceeds LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A), the PCBU must implement controls following the hierarchy: elimination (remove the noise source), substitution (replace with quieter equipment), engineering controls (enclosures, silencers, barriers, damping), administrative controls (job rotation, scheduling, signage) and personal hearing protection (ear muffs or plugs with appropriate SLC80 rating). Workers must be provided with audiometric testing as part of a health surveillance programme. Noise-affected areas must be signed.

How long must noise monitoring records be retained?

Noise exposure records and individual audiometric test results should be retained for a minimum of 30 years from the date of the last test. Safe Work Australia guidance for health monitoring records and the WHS Regulations 2011 Schedule 14 require long retention because noise-induced hearing loss claims can emerge decades after exposure. The monitoring log itself, environmental dosimetry results and the noise management plan should be kept for at least seven years, and longer if used to support workers compensation, audiometric surveillance or licence renewal evidence.

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What is a noise monitoring log?

A noise monitoring log is a document used to record noise level measurements taken at workplace locations to assess worker exposure against the regulatory noise exposure standard. The log captures the measurement date, location, noise source, sound pressure level in dB(A), peak noise level in dB(C), exposure duration, the calculated daily noise exposure (LAeq,8h) and whether the result exceeds the exposure standard. It forms part of the noise management programme required under the WHS Regulations 2011.

Excessive noise exposure causes permanent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is one of the most common occupational diseases in Australia. The WHS Regulations 2011, Part 4.1 sets the noise exposure standard at LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) and a peak noise level of 140 dB(C). AS/NZS 1269.1:2005 (Occupational noise management, Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure) provides the measurement methodology. PCBUs must ensure worker noise exposure does not exceed the standard and must provide hearing protection where exposure cannot be controlled by other means. Without documented noise monitoring, the PCBU cannot demonstrate compliance or identify areas where hearing conservation measures are needed.

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Benefits of using this noise monitoring log

Hearing conservation: identifies work areas and tasks where noise levels exceed the exposure standard, triggering hearing protection requirements.
Regulatory compliance: provides documented evidence of noise monitoring as required by WHS Regulations 2011, Part 4.1.
Exposure mapping: noise logs create a site noise map showing high-risk areas and equipment, supporting engineering control prioritisation.
Control verification: post-control monitoring confirms that noise reduction measures (enclosures, silencers, barriers) achieve the required reduction.
Health surveillance support: individual exposure records support audiometric testing programmes and workers compensation claims.
Legal defence: documented monitoring demonstrates the PCBU has taken reasonably practicable steps to manage noise exposure.

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What to include in a noise monitoring log

This noise monitoring log covers 10 key areas:

Site details: site name, area or department, monitoring programme reference, responsible person.
Monitoring event: date, time, weather conditions (outdoor monitoring), background noise level.
Measurement location: area description, GPS or site plan reference, distance from noise source, measurement height.
Equipment: sound level meter type (Class 1 or Class 2), dosimeter type, equipment ID, calibration date and result.
Measurement results: LAeq (equivalent continuous sound level), LCpeak (peak sound pressure level), measurement duration.
Noise source identification: equipment or process generating the noise, operating condition during measurement.
Exposure calculation: worker exposure duration, calculated LAeq,8h, comparison to 85 dB(A) exposure standard.
Controls in place: engineering controls (enclosures, barriers, silencers), administrative controls (job rotation, signage), hearing protection in use.
Exceedance actions: if exposure standard exceeded, immediate actions taken, additional controls implemented.
Sign-off: monitoring officer name and qualifications, date, next monitoring event.

How to use this noise monitoring log

Plan the monitoring programme and calibrate instruments: Identify the work areas, tasks and noise sources to be measured based on the site noise management plan. Use a Class 2 (or preferably Class 1) integrating sound level meter calibrated per AS IEC 61672.1. Calibrate the instrument before and after each monitoring session using a sound calibrator and record the calibration results.
Conduct noise level measurements at designated locations: Position the sound level meter microphone at the worker ear height (approximately 1.5 m). Measure the LAeq over a representative period for each noise source or work area. Record the LCpeak for impulsive noise sources. For personal exposure assessment, deploy noise dosimeters on workers performing the highest-risk tasks for the full shift.
Identify noise sources and record operating conditions: Document which equipment or processes are operating during each measurement and their operating condition (normal production, maintenance, startup). This information is critical for interpreting results and designing targeted noise controls.
Calculate worker daily noise exposure and compare to the standard: Using the measured LAeq values and worker exposure durations, calculate the daily noise exposure LAeq,8h for each worker or work area. Compare the result to the WHS Regulations 2011 exposure standard of 85 dB(A). Flag any areas or workers exceeding the standard.
Record results, take action on exceedances and file the log: Enter all measurements and calculations on the noise monitoring log. For any exceedance of the 85 dB(A) exposure standard, implement additional controls: engineering controls (enclosures, silencers, damping), administrative controls (job rotation, scheduling) and hearing protection. Schedule follow-up monitoring to verify control effectiveness. File the log in the occupational health register.

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How often should you complete this log / register?

Noise monitoring should be conducted whenever there is reason to believe workers may be exposed to noise exceeding the standard, and at least annually for known high-noise areas. Re-monitoring is required after installing new equipment, modifying processes, implementing noise controls or receiving worker complaints about noise. For construction sites, noise monitoring should be conducted at the start of each major work phase. Personal dosimetry should be conducted at least annually for workers in hearing conservation programmes. AS/NZS 1269.1 recommends periodic reassessment to account for equipment wear and process changes.

Frequently asked questions

Applicable regulatory standards

This template aligns with the following regulations and standards:

WHS Regulations 2011, Part 4.1 - Noise exposure standard
AS/NZS 1269.1:2005 - Occupational noise management, Measurement and assessment

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