Noise toolbox talk

What it is

Loud noise from tools, plant or work that can damage hearing.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Choose quieter tools, plant and work methods, such as low-noise equipment or alternatives to hammering and grinding.
2. Enclose or isolate noisy plant, fit silencers and mufflers, and maintain equipment so noise does not increase.
3. Keep workers away from noisy work, limit time spent in noisy areas, and sign areas where hearing protection is needed.
4. Arrange audiometric testing for workers who are frequently required to wear hearing protection because of hazardous noise.
5. Wear earplugs or earmuffs suited to the noise level, and train workers to fit them correctly.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with noise:

• NoiseHearing lossFrom Hoarder Cleaning Plan
• EnvironmentControl noise, waste, chemicals and run-offFrom Cleaning Public Areas
• Working in noisy environmentsControl noise and wear hearing protectionFrom Portable-Hydrants-Hose Reel-Extinguishers Inspection Testing
• Cutting & grinding at siteCut and grind with electrical, dust, cutting and noise controlsFrom Concrete-Natural Stone Bench-top Installation
• Environmental managementControl dust, erosion, waterways, noise, waste and hazardous substancesFrom Bulk Excavations

Questions for the crew

1. Where could noise come up on this job today?
2. Is any of this work on today's job: Noise?
3. The most effective control is: “Choose quieter tools, plant and work methods, such as low-noise equipment or alternatives to hammering and grinding”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
4. Which controls for noise are missing or not working on this site?
5. When would you stop work because of noise, and who would you tell?
6. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?