We are regularly asked if audiometric testing is required and although not always the case, as a general guide, if workers require hearing protection, they most likely require audiometric testing under the changes to the Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 that came in to effect on 29/07/2025.

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld), the exposure standard for noise is:

• LAeq,8h of 85 dB(A) – this means that an unprotected worker cannot be exposed to more than 85 dB continuously over an eight-hour shift (and for every 3 dB(A) increase in sound above 85 dB, the time of safe exposure halves). 
• LC,peak of 140 dB(C) – this means that an unprotected worker cannot be exposed to a noise level above 140 dB for any period of time.

There are two parts to the exposure standard because different types of hazardous noise can cause different types of hearing loss:

• Gradual hearing loss (noise induced hearing loss) happens over time caused by noise exceeding 85 dB(A).
• Immediate hearing loss (acoustic trauma) can be caused by single exposure to noise that exceeds 140 dB(C).

Some examples of typical sound levels for common noise sources include:

• 140 dB – Jet engine at 30m
• 110 dB – Chainsaw
• 100 dB – Planer
• 98 dB – Hammering nails into wood
• 94 dB – Circular saw
• 90 dB – Lawnmower
• 87 dB – Power drill
• 80 dB – Kerbside to heavy traffic

If you need to raise your voice to communicate with someone about a metre away, it may indicate that your workplace is at risk of hazardous noise levels.

Additionally, there is an increased risk of hearing loss when workers are exposed to ototoxic substances (including solvents, heavy metals and asphyxiants).  The Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work 2011 discusses the potential impact of ototoxic substances commonly used in workplaces that can lead to an increased risk of hearing loss and recommends that workers exposed to ototoxic substances have the exposure standard reduced to 80 dB(A) or below.

Bottom line, if a worker is required to wear hearing PPE due to exposure above the standard, then audiometric testing is mandatory under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (Qld):

• For workers that commenced on or after 29/07/2025, audiometric testing must occur within three months of the worker commencing and at least every two years after that.
• For existing workers (who commenced prior to 29/07/2025), audiometric testing must occur before 29/07/2027 and at least every two years after that.

With our Head Office located in Ipswich, Onsite Testing’s mobile units offer coverage throughout South East Queensland. Our professional noise-minimised mobile units are fitted with calibrated, industry-standard equipment, delivering quick (10-15 minute) non-invasive tests that measure a worker’s ability to hear different sound frequencies and volumes.  Results and reports are provided in accordance with AS/NZS 1269.4:2014. 

👉 Staying compliant doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you have a team of five or five hundred, we’ll bring the testing directly to your site – keeping your workforce safe and your business compliant, with minimal impact to productivity.  Connect with Onsite Testing today on 07 3282 7082 or visit www.onsitetesting.com.au.