HYGIENEHUB - NOISE EXPOSURE

🔊 What Is the Noise Regulation 2019 All About?

The Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 is a Malaysian regulation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994 (OSHA). It was introduced to replace the older Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations and reflects a more modern, risk-based approach to managing workplace noise. These regulations aim to protect workers from hearing loss and other health effects caused by excessive noise exposure in the workplace.

Employer's Responsibilities

Under the Noise Regulation 2019, employers must:

Identify and assess noise risks in the workplace
Conduct a Noise Risk Assessment (NRA) by a registered assessor
Implement control measures to reduce exposure (engineering, administrative, PPE)
Provide audiometric testing for exposed workers
Provide information, instruction and training so that they understand their responsibilities and the risks of noise exposure.
Maintain records of assessments, controls, and health surveillance

📌 Step by step for compliances

Phase 1: Identification & Assessment

1. Preliminary Identification of Excessive Noise

- Conduct initial noise screening using Appendix 1 Checklist (from the ICOP 2019) to identify areas with excessive noise.

2. Noise Risk Assessment (NRA)

- Trigger: If YES to any item in the Appendix 1 checklist.
- Appoint a DOSH-registered Noise Risk Assessor (NRA) (Orang Terlatih / Senarai Orang Kompeten JKKP).
- Timeline: Employer must ensure the final NRA report is received within 1 month of completing the assessment.
- Action Required: Implement the NRA's control recommendations within 30 days of receiving the report.

Phase 2: Engineering & Administrative Controls

3. Noise Control Measures

- Implement priority-based controls focusing on Engineering (at source/path) and Administrative measures rather than jumping straight to PPE.

4. Noise Control Practicability Assessment (NCPA)

- Requirement: Refer to the Guidance on Occupational Noise Control, 2024.
- Formulate a structured NCPA Report if noise levels cannot easily be reduced below the Noise Exposure Limit (NEL), prioritizing sustainable engineering solutions (enclosures, silencers, vibration isolation).

Phase 3: Audiometric & Employee Protection

5. Audiometric Testing Programmed

- Target: All workers within the Similar Exposure Group (SEG) who are exposed to noise levels at or above the Action Level.
- Coordinate tests with a DOSH-registered Audiometric Testing Centre (using a mobile clinic or fixed facility).
- Frequency: Baseline audiogram within 3 months of employment/exposure, followed by annual repeated audiometric testing.

6. Hearing Protection Devices (HPD)

- Procure and issue personal hearing protectors (earmuffs/earplugs) with approved by DG DOSH.
- Selection Criteria: Cross-reference the NRA report to match the minimum required Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) or Single Number Rating (SNR) to adequately de-escalate exposure below NEL.
- Maintain an updated inventory/List of Approved HPDs issued to staff.