Drop the volume New Zealand Safety Week
Guide to resources about noise
Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace (2002 edition)
The principal objective of the code of practice is to reduce the incidence and severity of hearing loss resulting from excessive noise exposure in workplaces. The most effective and reliable way to prevent and control this significant hazard is to eliminate, or at least quieten the sources of noise to which employees are exposed.
Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992
The object of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 is to promote the prevention of harm to all people at work, and others in, or in the vicinity of, places of work. The Act applies to all New Zealand workplaces and places duties on employers, the self-employed, employees, principals and others who are in a position to manage or control hazards.
Health and Safety in Employment Regulations 1995 (Regulation 11)
The HSE Regulations set out minimum standards employers and others in control of workplaces must meet to be certain they’ve taken “all practicable steps”. Regulation 11 requires employers to take all practicable steps to ensure that no employee is exposed to noise above an average level of 85db over eight hours, or a peak level of 140db – whether or not the employee is wearing a personal hearing protector.
Available by clicking on the ‘Statutory Regulations’ button at: www.legislation.govt.nz.
AS/NZS 1269 (1998): Occupational Noise Management
This Standard sets out requirements for, and provides guidance on, the types of noise assessments which may be necessary and suitable noise measuring instruments to carry them out. The procedures for noise measurement are also included. This document can be purchased online.
The Department of Labour:
The Department of Labour has a large number of resources related to noise and avoiding hearing loss available online. These include:
- Occupational Audiometry Record form
- A Message to Employees on Avoiding Hearing Loss
- A Message to Employers on Preventing Hearing Loss
- Selection and Use of Hearing Protectors
- You Might be Going Deaf Listen
- Noise Abatement for Circular Saws
- Management of Noise and Work Resource Kit
- Management of Noise at Work - Control Guide
- Noise Fact Sheets (6 titles, pack of 10)
- Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace
- An Introduction to the Approved Code of Practice for the Management of Noise in the Workplace
- Noise Multilingual Tape Cassette
- Noise Video
- Noise Warning Signs
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss of Occupational Origin - A Guide for Medical Practitioners