Noise
Within the metals and engineering industry you may work with noisy power tools and machinery such as angle grinders, power presses, metal guillotines and cutting, buffing and punching tools. You may be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 decibels or dB(A) that can cause permanent hearing loss.
Your employer can reduce noise levels by isolating noisy machinery from employees not involved in its operation, enclosing it in a sound absorbing box or erecting sound absorbing barriers and by keeping machinery and equipment in good order so it operates efficiently.
If the noise cannot be removed at the source your employer should provide personal hearing protectors (earmuffs or earplugs) to increase protection or as a last resort, to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
 | | Earpieces for portable radios and music devices do not provide protection from noise. Lost hearing is gone forever. |
Self-Assessment Questions
Now try the self-assessment questions. Before starting the questions, be sure to enter your name exactly as you want it to appear on your certificate.
There are 16 questions and if you get 12 or more correct you can print online a WorkSafe Smart Move Certificate signed by the Minister for Consumer and Employment Protection.
