DEFOH004B
Develop noise management plans

This unit covers the competency required to measure and analyse occupational work noise and to develop relevant noise management plans and procedures.Work noise includes:Any noise in the workplace that exceeds a comfort level equivalent to that of the normal hearing capacity of human beingsAny noise that is unusual or inappropriate in that work environment/role Any noise that may have an adverse impact on human beingsThe unit includes developing and drafting policy, procedures and plans/instructions for the management, amelioration and/or control of hazardous noise in the workplace. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication. In a Defence context, this means that there is no civilian need to hold this unit in order to meet licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements.

Application

This unit was developed for Defence workers involved in developing noise management plans as a workplace responsibility, but is applicable to all individuals who work in this field.

Typically, these individuals must demonstrate the ability to work independently or as part of a team under indirect supervision. They must be able to use discretion and judgement and take responsibility for the quality of their outputs.

All activities are carried out in accordance with relevant legislation, organisational policies and procedures, including relevant:

Australian or international standards

Equipment manufacturers’ specifications

Exposure standards

Previous testing reports

Risk assessments

Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs)

State/territory/commonwealth WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidance material.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to develop a workplace noise management plan

1.1 Noise hazards are observed heard, recognised and acknowledged and their sources are identified. identified in accordance with relevant legislation, and organisational policy and procedures

1.2 Legislation and standards appropriate to noise hazard and work noise exposure levels are identified and accessed.

1.3 Existing organisational records relevant to noise hazards are identified and accessed.

1.4 Equipment and resources required for the measurement of noise are identified, acquired and prepared in accordance with organisational procedures.

2. Measure workplace noise

2.1 Measuring equipment is deployed in accordance with manufacturers’ instructions and organisational procedures and readings are recorded

2.2 Work health and safety (WHS) requirements, including those contained in organisational procedures, are applied throughout the process.

3. Analyse workplace noise

3.1 Measurements are interpreted and confirmed in accordance with measuring protocols.

3.2 Workplace noise is analysed/determined and findings are reported to appropriate authorities/superiors in accordance with legislation and organisational policy and procedures.

4. Develop noise management plans

4.1 Appropriate consultation with stakeholders is conducted in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational policy and procedures.

4.2 Technical standards, organisational environmental requirements and occupational noise exposure levels are identified and interpreted.

4.3 Noise management plans are developed in accordance with legislative requirements, codes of practice and organisational policy and procedures and forwarded to the relevant authority.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required Skills

analyse work environment and identify hazards

assess resources needed to establish and maintain WHS in the workplace, including a range of control measures

assess risks and design and implement appropriate WHS systems

communicate

negotiate

operate noise measuring/monitoring equipment

plan

Required Knowledge

environmental factors relevant to workplace noise

noise control requirements

noise legislation

noise measuring and monitoring techniques and equipment

occupational noise exposure level standards/requirements

organisational policy and standards relevant to workplace noise levels

provisions and principles of effective WHS management requirements for the organisation/industry, including supervisors/managers, WHS committees, representatives, etc. in the workplace

relevant Australian and international standards

reliability of measures

tolerances of error that may apply

Evidence Required

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Assessment must confirm the ability to:

measure and analyse workplace noise

develop noise management plans that adhere to Australian and organisational standards and recognise stakeholder requirements

apply knowledge of relevant work health and safety legislative frameworks

identify inspection tools and methods appropriate to the workplace

apply principles and practices of work health safety

identify intervention points for advice to assist in work and to guide problem solving

Consistency in performance

Evidence for competency in this unit must be gathered over time and across a range of workplace or simulated situations.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Context of assessment

Competency should be assessed in the workplace or under conditions that accurately simulate a realistic workplace in accordance with all relevant legislation and organisation requirements.

Evidence should be gathered while observing the individual developing the noise management plans. A record of all relevant research and interviews should also be submitted as evidence for assessment.

Specific resources for assessment

Access to relevant legislation, research material, manufacturers’ equipment specifications, existing related standards, policy and instructions, and work areas within the area of responsibility.


Range Statement

The Range Statement relates to the Unit of Competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Legislation and standards appropriate to noise hazard and work noise exposure levels may include:

Local government bylaws applicable to environmental noise emission

Organisational standards and regulations

Organisational/environmental requirements/parameters

Relevant Australian and international standards

State/territory/commonwealth legislation, including WHS acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidance material

Technical specifications

Organisational records may include:

Electronic records

Inventories

Journals

Registers

Equipment and resources may include:

Noise measuring instruments

Recording devices

Preparation of equipment and resources may include:

Calibration of measuring equipment

Checking equipment for safe and accurate operation (confidence testing)

Testing equipment for serviceability

Work health and safety requirements may include:

Award provisions

Local government bylaws applicable to environmental noise emission

State/territory/commonwealth WHS legislation, including WHS Acts, regulations, codes of practice and guidance material

Stakeholders may include:

External agencies

Government/agency regulators/inspectors

Immediate supervisors

Internal agencies

WHS representatives

Other interested parties, including members of the public

Relevant personnel in the organisational structure

Unit managers

Noise management plans may include:

Monitoring processes

Protocols and local controls

Recommendations for additional control measures

Referrals to other experts


Sectors

Not applicable.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.