Health and Safety in Shearing (PDF 917kb) - WorkSafe Victoria

7.7 NoiseAs a guide, if it is difficult to have a normalconversation at about a distance of one meter in anoisy workplace then there may be a noise problem.To properly assess the risks it is necessary to measurethe noise and the exposure of workers to the noise inaccordance with the Victorian Noise Regulations 1992.This will identify the real noise problems and ensurethat any noise control undertaken will be worthwhileand effective. Maximum permissible exposure is asound level of 85 dBA for eight hours per day orequivalent.Hazard or riskRisk controlExposure to high noise levels over time causes When choosing new equipment or machinery considerpermanent and untreatable hearing loss. High noise the noise it produces and find out if less noisylevels sufficient to damage hearing may be produced equipment is available. Sometimes mufflers or similarby shearing machinery (particularly the long and add-ons such as noise covers that reduce noiseshort guts in the ferrule as well as the drive cogs), are available.wool presses, grinders, engines, motors, hydraulic Sometimes noisy equipment can be located awaypumps and radio/cassette/CD players.from the main work areas to minimize the numberof workers who will be exposed to it.Proper maintenance and repair of machinery andequipment, particularly overhead gear, will usuallyreduce noise levels.Limit the use and volume of radio, CD and cassetteplayers if they produce too much noise. (Using thesedevices with earphones or earpieces is notrecommended in noisy environments because theyisolate the worker and prevent him/her from hearingwarning signals and prevent communication withother people in the shed.)Use of proper earmuffs and earplugs will reduce noiseexposure but it may be difficult to use them becauseof hygiene and discomfort problems. They can alsointerfere with the work or cause communicationproblems with workers who already have a hearingproblem. If muffs or plugs are used, warning signsmust be erected, training in their use must beprovided and regular hearing tests must be arrangedby the employer for exposed workersundertaken.It is better to try and reduce noise levels firstbefore using earmuffs or earplugs as a risk control.Corrugated iron walls found in many shearing shedsreflect noise and increase overall noise levels inthe shed.Keep noise levels in mind when choosing buildingmaterials for new sheds. Consider installing propersound insulation in existing sheds.Health & Safety in Shearing 29