Noise Exposure Monitoring in Australia
Noise exposure monitoring is the process of measuring the level of noise that people are exposed to. It is important to monitor noise exposure because prolonged exposure to loud noise can damage hearing and have other negative health effects.
There are a number of different methods that can be used to monitor noise exposure. Some common methods include:
- Sound level meters: Sound level meters are devices that measure the level of noise in decibels (dB).
- Personal noise dosimeters: Personal noise dosimeters are devices that measure the amount of noise that a person is exposed to over time.
- Video noise dosimeters: Video noise dosimeters are devices that use video footage to measure the level of noise in a particular area.
The Australian Government has set workplace exposure standards for noise. These standards set limits on the amount of noise that workers are allowed to be exposed to. If noise levels exceed these standards, employers are required to take steps to reduce noise exposure, such as providing hearing protection or redesigning work areas.
Noise exposure can also be monitored in the community. This is important because people who live in noisy areas may be exposed to higher levels of noise than those who work in noisy environments. Community noise monitoring can help to identify areas where noise levels are a problem and can be used to advocate for noise reduction measures.
There are a number of different organizations that conduct noise exposure monitoring in Australia. These organizations include:
- The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC): NOHSC is responsible for developing and enforcing workplace health and safety standards in Australia. NOHSC conducts noise exposure monitoring in workplaces to ensure that noise levels do not exceed the workplace exposure standards.
- The Environment Protection Authority (EPA): EPAs are responsible for protecting the environment in Australia. EPAs may conduct noise exposure monitoring in communities to identify areas where noise levels are a problem.
- Universities and research institutes: Universities and research institutes may conduct noise exposure monitoring as part of research projects or to provide information to the public about noise levels in different areas.
By monitoring noise exposure, we can help to protect people from the negative health effects of loud noise.