Noise Dosimetry Testing Victoria: Personal Noise Exposure Assessment
Measure personal noise exposure accurately with professional noise testing services from our consulting occupational hygienists across Melbourne and regional Victoria. NATA-accredited assessment for compliance with workplace noise regulations.
What Is Noise Dosimetry?
Noise dosimetry is the measurement of personal noise exposure using a wearable device called a noise dosimeter. The dosimeter is attached to the worker’s shoulder or collar, near their ear, and records sound levels throughout the work shift. This provides an accurate measure of the actual noise exposure experienced by individual workers during their normal duties.
Unlike spot measurements with a sound level meter, noise dosimetry accounts for:
- Variations in noise level throughout the shift
- Worker movement between different noise environments
- Duration of exposure to different noise sources
- Intermittent and impulsive noise events
Victorian Regulatory Requirements
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (Part 3.2 – Noise) require employers to:
- Identify noise hazards – Where workers may be exposed to noise exceeding the exposure standard
- Measure exposure – Conduct noise assessments where required
- Control exposure – Implement controls to reduce noise exposure
- Audiometric testing – Provide hearing tests for workers exposed above the standard
- Training and supervision – Ensure workers understand noise risks and controls
WorkSafe Victoria expects demonstrated compliance through documented noise assessments conducted by competent persons.
The Exposure Standard
Victoria’s workplace noise exposure standards are:
- LAeq,8h = 85 dB(A) – Eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level
- LC,peak = 140 dB(C) – Peak C-weighted sound pressure level
Dosimetry results are compared against these limits to determine compliance.
Our Noise Dosimetry Services
Occhygiene provides comprehensive noise assessment services across Victoria:
- Personal dosimetry – Full-shift exposure measurement
- Area monitoring – Identify noise sources and hot spots
- Task-based assessment – Evaluate specific high-noise activities
- Noise mapping – Visual representation of noise levels
- Control recommendations – Practical noise reduction strategies
- Audiometry program coordination – Hearing testing program setup
All assessments are conducted by AIOH members and Certified Occupational Hygienists (COH) using calibrated equipment.
The Dosimetry Process
- Consultation – Understand your workplace, noise sources, and worker roles
- Worker selection – Identify representative workers for monitoring
- Dosimeter fitting – Attach calibrated dosimeter to worker’s shoulder/collar
- Monitoring period – Full shift recording during normal work activities
- Data analysis – Calculate LAeq, LCpeak, and dose percentage
- Reporting – Compliance assessment with clear recommendations
Industries Requiring Noise Assessments
We conduct noise dosimetry across Victorian industries including:
- Manufacturing – Machinery noise, production lines
- Construction – Power tools, heavy equipment
- Engineering workshops – Metal fabrication, grinding, welding
- Wood products – Sawmills, joinery, furniture
- Transport and logistics – Vehicle maintenance, warehousing
- Entertainment venues – Music venues, bars, clubs
- Emergency services – Sirens, radios, tools
Hearing Protection and the Hierarchy of Controls
Where dosimetry identifies exposure above the standard, a hierarchy of controls must be applied:
- Elimination – Remove the noise source entirely
- Substitution – Replace with quieter processes or equipment
- Engineering controls – Enclose noise sources, install silencers, vibration isolation
- Administrative controls – Job rotation, limiting exposure time, signage
- PPE – Hearing protectors as a last resort
Hearing protectors should not be the primary control measure. They are a temporary solution while engineering and administrative controls are implemented.
Peak Noise Exposure
While LAeq measures average exposure over time, peak noise (LC,peak) captures sudden high-level noise events:
- Impact tools and drop forges
- Explosive-powered tools
- Sudden releases of compressed air or steam
- Gunshots or detonations
Dosimeters record peak levels separately. Even a single exposure above 140 dB(C) can cause immediate hearing damage.
Audiometric Testing Requirements
Under Victorian regulations, employers must provide audiometric testing:
- Within 3 months of a worker starting in a noisy job
- At least every 2 years thereafter
- When there is concern about hearing loss
- Upon leaving the job (optional but recommended)
Occhygiene can coordinate audiometry through qualified providers as part of a comprehensive hearing conservation program.
Noise Control Case Studies
Manufacturing plant: Dosimetry identified LAeq of 95 dB(A) for machine operators. Engineering controls (enclosures, acoustic barriers) reduced exposure to 78 dB(A), eliminating the need for hearing protection in most areas.
Construction company: Task-based dosimetry showed breaker operators exceeding 100 dB(A). Administrative controls (job rotation, breaks) combined with upgraded hearing protection brought doses under 100%.
Why Choose Occhygiene
- Certified expertise – AIOH members, COH qualified
- Calibrated equipment – Traceable to national standards
- Practical recommendations – Solutions that work in your operation
- Compliance documentation – Reports that meet WorkSafe requirements
- Victorian coverage – Melbourne metro, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, regional Victoria
FAQs About Noise Dosimetry
How long does dosimetry take?
Personal dosimetry is conducted over a full work shift. Multiple shifts or workers may need assessment to characterise exposure across your workplace.
What should workers do during monitoring?
Workers should conduct normal duties. Dosimeters record continuously, so workers should not cover the microphone or remove the device except in specific circumstances (showers, etc.).
Can we conduct our own noise assessments?
For regulatory compliance, assessments should be conducted by a competent person – typically an occupational hygienist with appropriate training and calibrated equipment. WorkSafe may request evidence of assessor competency.
What’s the difference between dB(A) and dB(C)?
dB(A) weighting approximates human hearing sensitivity and is used for LAeq exposure assessment. dB(C) weighting better represents peak noise energy and is used for LC,peak measurements.
Book Your Noise Dosimetry Assessment
Protect your workers’ hearing and ensure regulatory compliance with professional noise exposure monitoring.
Phone: 1300 802 163
Email: sales@anitechgroup.com
Occhygiene – Certified noise dosimetry for Victorian workplaces.