Published in November 2010 by the Workplace Safety and Health Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Manpower.

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Compliance Assistance Checklist

Work In Noisy Environment

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Noise emission levels are considered during the selection and procurement of new machines.

COMPLIANcE ASSISTANcE CHEcKLIST WORK IN NOISY ENVIRONMENT

Identification of Noise Hazards
1 2 Risk assessment has been conducted and documented for noisy processes. Where 10 or more persons employed are exposed to excessive noise, noise monitoring is carried out by a competent person at least once every three years. The noise monitoring report is prepared as specified in the Second Schedule of the WSH (Noise) Regulations. The contents are communicated to all persons exposed to excessive noise no later than 14 days after preparation of the report. A copy of the noise monitoring report is submitted to the Ministry of Manpower, and kept available for at least 10 years. A suitable noise-measuring equipment is used for noise monitoring and is calibrated before use. The latest noise monitoring results are compared with the previous report to determine if there is any significant change in noise levels. There is a person in charge of the Hearing Conservation Program (HCP). The person in charge has the relevant knowledge to coordinate all the aspects of HCP. Appropriate steps are taken to include or exclude workers in the HCP whose exposures have changed significantly. Noise Control 10 Practicable noise control measures are in place such that no person is exposed to excessive noise of 85 dBA and above. E.g. Acoustic enclosures, silencers, mufflers, isolation of noise sources Where noise control measures are not practicable, the duration of time a person is exposed to the noise is limited so that no person is exposed to excessive noise. Where 50 or more persons employed are exposed to excessive noise, a competent person is appointed as a Noise Control Officer to advise on all proper noise control measures. Where applicable, there is a noise control plan to reduce the excessive noise through engineering controls. It is reviewed at least once every 3 years after noise monitoring is conducted. Noise control projects are monitored to ensure timely completion. Noise emission levels are considered during the selection and procurement of new machines. Yes No

Hearing Protectors
16 Suitable hearing protectors are provided to all persons exposed to excessive noise. Procedures are established and implemented to ensure that Hearing protectors are properly issued and maintained Persons exposed to excessive noise use hearing protectors Such persons are instructed in the proper use of hearing protectors Warning signs indicating the use of hearing protectors are posted at all entrances where persons are likely to be exposed to excessive noise. Regular inspections are conducted to ensure that workers wear hearing protectors correctly in designated areas. There is an incentive or disincentive scheme to encourage workers to put on hearing protection.

Yes

No
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18 19 20

4 5 6 7 8 9

Training and Education

A training program is implemented and conducted every three years for all persons exposed to excessive noise. The training is conducted within three months of commencing work, and the contents are reviewed periodically. 21 This program includes instructions on: Relevant provisions of WSHA and noise regulations Effects of excessive noise on hearing Purpose of hearing protectors, and its proper use and maintenance Purpose of hearing tests Workers are counselled on the significance of audiometric results and preventive measures they can take.

Yes

No

22

Audiometric Examinations
23 Workers exposed to excessive noise have been medically examined by a designated factory doctor and certified fit to work before commencement of work. (Pre-employment check up) Yearly audiometric examinations are conducted for all persons exposed to excessive noise. (Periodic medical check up) Records of audiometric examinations are kept for at least five years from the date of examination, and are submitted to the Ministry of Manpower. Audiometric examination results are evaluated to determine information such as identification of high risk groups etc. Follow up action arising from such evaluation are implemented and documented.

Yes

No

24 25

11

12

26

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Remarks

Hearing protectors
Suitable hearing protectors are provided to all persons exposed to excessive

Yes

No