Workplace Audiometric Testing
Audiometric Testing - NSW Recent Requirements
If the business requires workers to frequently use hearing protection as a control measure for noise that exceeds the exposure standard (85dBA 8-hour time weighted average and 140dBC peak), the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) must provide and pay for the hearing test of their exposed workers.
The NSW Government has approved the commencement of Clause 58 – Audiometric Testing under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulation 2017 from 1 January 2024.
Audiometric Testing Frequency
For new workers, a baseline audiometric testing (or hearing test) must be completed within three months of commencing their employment. The worker must then get a follow-up monitoring audiometric testing (hearing test) at least every two years during their employment.
For existing workers employed before 01 January 2024, the PCBU must ensure that audiometric (hearing) tests are conducted before 01 January 2026.
More frequent hearing tests may be required for workers exposed to high, average noise levels throughout their work shift, (e.g., ≥ 100dB(A)) and for workers exposed to noise and hand-arm vibration and ototoxic substances.
Workplace Audiometric Testing Competencies
Audiometric testing or screening (hearing tests) for the workplace must be performed by a competent person (eg. audiologist) having acquired the necessary level of training and experience to perform the test, interpret the results and present them in a manner that enables persons at the workplace to make appropriate decisions. Hearing tests must be conducted using the procedures outlined in AS/NZS 1269.4:2014 – Occupational Noise Management – Part 4: Auditory assessment.
Onsite Mobile Audiometric Testing Services
Health Safety Consultants provide onsite audiometric testing or audiometric screening in the workplace by experienced Audiometrists. We come to your workplace and undertake audiometric testing for your workforce to make it practical and cost effective for your business. We use our mobile audiometric testing suite that is fitted with audiometric booth that is regularly tested onsite to comply with AS/NZS 1269.4 for background noise at the nominated frequencies.
Conducting Workplace Audiometric Testing
The workplace audiometric testing is conducted by performing an ear examination before the hearing test, using an otoscope to check for any physical damage or obstructions (e.g., ear wax) within the ear that may affect the hearing test.
The hearing test then includes presenting a series of tones to a person to which the person responds which indicates that the person has heard a tone. The tones are presented at different sound levels (for the right ear and then the left ear_ to then record the lowest level at which a person can hear (the threshold limit). The audiometric testing is conducted for various frequencies.
What is included in the Onsite Mobile Audiometric Testing?
Health Safety Consultants onsite mobile audiometric testing involve the following:
- Mobilising to your site an air-conditioned mobile audiometric testing suite
- Audiometric testing booth and calibrated audiometer for hearing testing
- Audiometric testing of individual employees by a competent audiometrist
- Identification of temporary threshold shift and permanent shift in the worker’s hearing and making necessary referrals for medical or audiological examinations
- Guidance on how to comply with health and safety legislative requirements
- The results will be communicated verbally immediately to the employee tested. The Audiometric Test Report will be provided within 15 business days of the testing being completed. The report will include for each employee tested the audiogram, interpretation of results, comparison of previous test results (if applicable), and recommendations including any medical referral
- Test records are backed up and maintained with confidentiality.
Our certified occupational hygienists will also undertake expert workplace noise surveys and assessments for your site to evaluate workplace noise exposures and existing control measures and recommend suitable control measures to meet legislative requirements.
Contact Health Safety Consultants for all your audiometric testing in Sydney, NSW, regional NSW and ACT.
