Geraldton Port Authority

Health, Safety & Environment Alert

HSE Alert
GPA Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin 14 September 2009

Excessive Noise Changes to Hearing Protection Alert No 21

A recent occupational noise survey has resulted in changes to the level of hearing protection as shown below. All areas requiring hearing protection are sign posted. Please ensure employees and contractors under your control are aware of and comply with hearing protection requirements.
Area Min. Class of Hearing Protection Required

Berth 3 while shiploaders are in motion Berth 4 during shiploading and while near working machinery
Note: Hearing protection NOT required on berth 4 when there is no shiploading or machinery running.

Class 3 21 dB Class 3 21 dB

Berth 5 during loading of iron ore and while near working machinery
Note: Hearing protection NOT required on berth 5 when there is no shiploading or machinery running. Hearing protection NOT required at amenities building.

Class 5 26 dB

Rail Unloader during unloading and train movement operations Mineral Sands Truck Unloader during unloading operations

Class 5 33 dB Class 3 21 dB

NOTE: These are minimum requirements. Depending on the particular task you are undertaking and other operational activities occurring you may require higher levels of protection.

What is Excessive Noise?

OSH and Mines Safety legislation prescribe workers must not be exposed to excessive noise which is defined as noise above the following levels: 85dB(A) - equivalent energy for 8 hours of exposure to a constant noise of 85 decibels 140dB(C) - peak ie. noise output from a single event.

If you have any queries please contact GPAs OSH Officer, Sue Mischke on 0409 640 539.

Mike Mulligan Health, Safety & Environmental Manager Geraldton Port Authority

Alert Expires: When an updated Alert on Noise is issued or 5 years from date of issue, whichever comes sooner