Workplace Safety and

Health Guidelines
Hearing Conservation Programme

Year of issue: 2010

First revision: 2012

Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1
Objective of Hearing Conservation Programme
1.2
Elements of Hearing Conservation Programme

04
04
04

2.
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
2.3.3
2.3.4

PLANNING FOR HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAMME

Development of a Hearing Conservation Programme Policy
Establish a Hearing Conservation Programme Team
Identify the Roles and Responsibilities
Management Responsibilities
Appointment and Roles of a HCP Administrator
Competent Person for Noise Monitoring
Competent Person for Noise Control

06
06
07
07
07
07
08
09

3.
3.1
3.2
3.3

IDENTIFICATION OF NOISE HAZARD AND EVALUATION OF NOISE RISK

Identification of Noise Hazard
Objectives of Noise Monitoring
Methods of Noise Monitoring

10
10
11
11

4.
4.1
4.1.1
4.1.2
4.1.3
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
4.2.3
4.3

NOISE CONTROL MEASURES

Principles of Control
Noise Control at the Source
Noise Control along the Path
Noise Control at the Receiver
Hierarchy of Control
Substitution and Engineering Controls
Administrative Controls
Personal Protection
Noise Control Plan

12
12
12
12
12
13
13
16
17
17

5.
5.1
5.2
5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.6
5.3
5.4
5.5

PROVISION OF HEARING PROTECTORS

Types of Hearing Protectors
Selection of Hearing Protectors
Noise Exposure Level of the Employees
Degree of Attenuation Required
Comfort and Fit to the User
Suitability for Use
Need for Hearing Warning Signals and Speech Intelligibility
Medical Conditions
Proper Wearing of Hearing Protectors
Maintenance of Hearing Protectors
Consistent Use of Hearing Protectors

18
18
19
19
20
20
20
20
21
21
22
23

6.
6.1
6.2

TRAINING AND EDUCATION

Importance of Training and Education
Content of Training

24
24
24

7.
7.1
7.1.1
7.1.2
7.2
7.2.1
7.2.2

AUDIOMETRIC EXAMINATIONS
WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations
Audiometric Examinations Records and Forms
Notification Procedure
Audiometric Examinations
Achieving an Accurate Test Result
Role of Designated Workplace Doctor

26
26
27
27
28
28
29

8.
8.1
8.2

RECORD KEEPING
Types of Records
Managements Responsibilities in Record Keeping

30
30
30

9.
9.1

PROGRAMME EVALUATION
Approaches to Programme Evaluation

31
31

10. ANNEXES

Annex A: Hearing Conservation Programme for Managing Noise Risk

Annex B: Guidelines on Noise Monitoring and Submission of Reports

Annex C: Sample Noise Hazard Identification Checklist

Annex D: Sample Noise Control Plan

Annex E: Sample Hearing Conservation Programme Evaluation Checklist

32
32
33
47
48
49

11.

USEFUL REFERENCES

54

12.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

55

1. Introduction

Noise is generated during processes, operations and work activities. It is one of the most
common occupational health hazards. Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause noiseinduced hearing loss, or commonly known as noise-induced deafness (NID). NID refers to a
permanent loss in hearing sensitivity which leads to communication difficulties, impairment of
personal relationships, social isolation and degradation in the quality of life.
Other detrimental effects of excessive noise exposure include:
Tinnitus (a distressing condition characterised by ringing in the ear which can lead to
disturbed sleep);

Acoustic trauma (temporary or permanent hearing loss due to sudden exposure to very
loud noise);

Interference with speech communication and perception of warning signs;

Disruption of job performance;

Annoyance; and

Extra-auditory effects.

To protect exposed employees from the adverse effects of noise, every workplace with a noise
hazard should implement a comprehensive Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP), as part
of the companys workplace safety and health (WSH) programme.
The Guidelines on Hearing Conservation Programme serves to assist employers, plant engineers,
noise monitoring and noise control personnel, safety and health officers, and other stakeholders
in the implementation of the HCP.

1.1

Objective of Hearing Conservation Programme

The objective of the HCP is to minimise the risk associated with workplace noise exposure and
to prevent NID.

1.2

Elements of Hearing Conservation Programme

The basic elements of a HCP are:

Identifying the noise hazard and evaluating the risk involved;

Implementing noise control measures, such as engineering controls to minimise the risk;

Providing suitable hearing protectors and ensuring the proper use of the hearing
protectors by persons exposed to excessive noise;
Training and educating persons involved in the HCP to raise their awareness of noise
hazard and prevention of NID;
4

Conducting annual audiometric examinations to monitor the effectiveness of the HCP in

preventing NID, and detecting early hearing impairment;

Keeping records of the measures taken to protect employees from noise hazard; and

Evaluating the HCP to determine its effectiveness and identifying areas for improvements.

An effective HCP can eliminate or minimise noise hazard and prevent NID. Strong commitment
by the management and active involvement by the employees are critical for the success of
the HCP. Therefore, management should take the appropriate steps to encourage employees
participation in the development and implementation of the HCP.
A flowchart which provides an overview of the HCP is shown in Annex A.

A HCP is required when:

any person in the workplace is exposed to excessive noise, which is defined as an

equivalent sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) or more over an eight-hour workday.

2.
Planning for Hearing Conservation
Programme
2.1

Development of a Hearing Conservation

Programme Policy

A HCP policy should demonstrate the commitment of the management towards the
programme. The policy should be based on effective practices rather than minimum compliance
with the legislation. More importantly, the policy and strategies should be endorsed by the top
management, and should, as much as possible, address the following:
Promoting a positive safe and healthy culture at the workplace where employees are
empowered and motivated to protect their health and that of their fellow co-workers;
Adopting a prescribed schedule for monitoring noise exposure levels and other risks,
including ensuring that the equipment and personnel training are appropriate for the task;
Setting targets for minimising daily peak noise exposure levels in the workplace and
developing strategies to achieve them;

Requiring consistent and proper wearing of hearing protectors in designated areas;

Ensuring the correct use of hearing protectors through onsite inspection;

Educating, training and motivating employees to support the HCP; assessing employee
attitude and knowledge gained from periodic training;
Purchasing appropriate hearing protectors, noise measuring equipment and quieter
machinery;

Requiring employees who are exposed to excessive noise to undergo pre-placement and
periodic audiometric examinations;

Counselling affected employees after each audiometric examination;

Reviewing audiometric data to verify the effectiveness of the HCP; and

Establishing a proper procedure for selecting vendors and contractors for services which
cannot be undertaken by in-house staff such as noise monitoring and audiometric
examinations.

Companies that issue a clearly defined HCP policy, and follow or apply the policy will be able
to implement it more effectively. With a well-defined policy, employees are informed of their
functional roles and duties.
With the formation of a HCP team, the appointment of a HCP administrator and establishment
of the HCP policy, the team can proceed to implement the HCP. The following sections contain
the details of each HCP element.

2.2

Establish a Hearing Conservation Programme Team

Where it has been identified that a HCP is required in a workplace, the employer should set
up a team to implement the HCP, in consultation with the employees. The composition and
size of the HCP team should be proportionate to the size of the company and the number of
employees exposed to excessive noise.
The HCP team may comprise the following:

Safety and health personnel;

Noise monitoring officer;

Noise control officer;

Occupational hygiene officer;

Industrial hygienist;

Industrial nurse;

Employees representative; and

Designated Workplace Doctor (DWD).

2.3

Identify the Roles and Responsibilities

2.3.1

Management Responsibilities

The management should ensure that noise control measures are in place such that no
employees are exposed to excessive noise.
Where 50 or more persons employed are exposed or likely to be exposed to excessive
noise, a competent person (Noise Control Officer) should be appointed to advise the
management on the proper noise control measures.

The management should ensure that the individuals who are advising on noise control are
suitably qualified, whether in-house personnel or service providers.

The management should allocate appropriate resources and as far as it is reasonably

practicable, implement the noise control plan put up by the competent person.

The management should ensure that the noise control plan is reviewed at least once every
three years or until such time when the noise is reduced to an acceptable level and the
noise hazard is eliminated.

The management should take into consideration the noise emission levels during the
selection and procurement of new machines. Instead of introducing noise control measures
after installation, selecting quieter machines at the initial stage can help to save costs.
The management should ensure that all noise control systems or devices are wellmaintained, for e.g., a machine enclosure should be kept closed, its seals are in good
condition, and isolators should be replaced when they have worn out.

2.3.2

Appointment and Roles of a HCP Administrator

Management needs to designate a programme administrator to take charge of the HCP.

The programme administrator has the authority to make decisions, correct deficiencies and
enforce necessary actions.

The HCP administrator should be an individual who has an interest in the companys HCP. He/
she should possess good communication skills and be able to interact with the employees at
the production floor to discuss the noise problems and preventive measures or solutions.
The HCP administrator should coordinate all aspects of the programme and possess
knowledge on:

Individual elements of HCP;

Relevant provisions of the WSH Act, WSH (Noise) Regulations, WSH (Medical Examinations)
Regulations, WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, and WSH (Incident Reporting)
Regulations;

Effects of noise on hearing;

Purpose and selection of hearing protectors; and

Purpose of audiometric examinations.

The role of the HCP administrator involves:

Coordinating the HCP;

Monitoring its progress;

Assessing its performance;

Evaluating its effectiveness;

Reviewing the HCP at regular intervals;

Ensuring that the set objectives are met;

Arranging meetings or discussions to promote collaboration of efforts between

management and team members; and
Fostering exchange of information between management and team members on the
progress of the programme.

Once the team members understand how they can contribute to the success of the
programme, they would be motivated to cooperate in preventing hearing loss.

2.3.3

Competent Person for Noise Monitoring

A competent person for noise monitoring is an individual who is trained to conduct proper
noise monitoring. The person should work with the HCP administrator to ensure that noise
monitoring is conducted properly. The tasks of a noise monitoring officer are listed in Annex B.

Useful references:

WSH (Noise) Regulations

SS 549 : 2009 Code of Practice for selection, use, care and maintenance of Hearing
Protectors

2.3.4

Competent Person for Noise Control

A competent person for noise control is an individual who is adequately trained and is
knowledgeable on the details of noise control. He/she must be able to provide the management
with good advice on the proper noise control measures. He/she should also work with the
HCP administrator and employees to ensure that the proposed noise control measures are
implemented. The tasks of a noise control officer include the following:

Identifying all possible noise sources;

Evaluating specific machinery or noise source for noise control, and determining the most
practical and effective methods of reducing the noise to meet the desired criteria;

Involving the machine operators or production personnel on the selection of noise control
measures which may interfere with their work; communicate with them on the proper use,
and of the noise control devices to ensure that the controls are kept in good condition;

Developing a comprehensive noise control plan with recommendations on engineering

noise controls where practicable. A sample template of the noise control plan is in Annex D;
Working closely with the management when putting in place the noise control plan,
especially in recommending priorities and setting targets for noise control;
Assisting the management in implementing the noise control plan and evaluating the
effectiveness of noise control measures; and

Reviewing and revising the noise control plan at least once every three years or whenever
there is a significant change in the work processes, machinery or occurrence of NID.

3. Identification of Noise Hazard and

Evaluation of Noise Risk
Under the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, a risk assessment must be conducted and
documented for all work activities, including noisy works, operations and processes. The first
step of risk assessment involves hazard identification which can be qualitative or quantitative
in nature.
Qualitative hazard identification can be performed using a checklist or through site inspection.
If the outcome of the site inspection suggests that noise problems exist in the workplace, the
hazard should be quantified and evaluated through noise assessments.
Risk assessments should be reviewed and revised at least once every three years; or upon
occurrence of NID or significant change in work practices or procedures.

3.1

Identification of Noise Hazard

Identification of noise hazard in a workplace enables employers to identify employees who may
be exposed to excessive noise so that their exposures can be assessed. Hazard identification
should involve participation of the affected employees and those who understand the works,
operations or processes and have knowledge of the work situation.
Qualitative approach
A sample noise hazard identification checklist is provided in Annex C for a quick assessment
to identify if noise hazard is present at the workplace. In addition, a site inspection should
be carried out to identify noisy work activities, the type of noise generated (for e.g., steady,
fluctuating or impulse/impact noise), the persons exposed to the noise and their work or
exposure pattern.
When it has been identified that a noise hazard exists in the workplace, noise monitoring
should be conducted.
Quantitative approach : Noise monitoring
Noise exposure levels should be assessed in a manner that would accurately identify employees
exposed to or likely to be exposed to noise levels at or above the permissible exposure limits
specified in the Schedule of the WSH (Noise) Regulations. Measurements should be made
whenever any modifications are made to the machinery or processes that may increase the
noise levels to which employees are exposed.
Under the WSH (Noise) Regulations, where 10 or more persons are exposed to excessive noise,
a competent person must be appointed to conduct noise monitoring once every three years,
or earlier when changes in conditions occur which may cause any employee in the workplace
to be exposed to excessive noise. Management can engage an acoustical consultant or appoint
a qualified person in-house to conduct noise monitoring.
10

The noise monitoring results should be compared with the previous report so that any
significant changes can be identified and investigated. It is important that monitoring is
performed after implementation of noise control measures to evaluate the residual risk.

3.2

Objectives of Noise Monitoring

All workplaces where employees may be exposed to excessive noise should perform noise
monitoring to achieve these objectives:

Quantify the noise hazard;

Identify employees affected by the noise hazard for inclusion in the HCP;

Classify employees noise exposures for prioritising noise control efforts and establishing
hearing protection practices;

Evaluate specific noise sources for noise control purposes;

Evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken to minimise noise exposure; and

Delineate hearing protection areas.

3.3

Methods of Noise Monitoring

Please refer to Annex B for more information on noise monitoring.

11

4. Noise Control Measures

After the noise hazard has been identified and evaluated, the next step of risk assessment
involves the reduction of the noise risk to an acceptable level through the application of
reasonably practicable controls. The risk assessment should address priorities for action, the
person responsible for implementing the controls and the assessment of residual risk after the
noise controls are in place to ensure that they are effective.

4.1

Principles of Control

Control or reduction of noise can be carried out:

At the source;

Along the path; and

At the receiver.

The best approach to control noise is to eliminate or reduce the hazard at its source. If the
noise cannot be controlled at its source, attempts should be made to control it along the path
which it travels. As a last resort, the noise control problem may be approached at the receivers
or exposed persons.

4.1.1

Noise Control at the Source

4.1.2

Noise Control along the Path

4.1.3

Noise Control at the Receiver

Noise control at the source is an engineering remedy. Vibration control or isolation, damping
or lagging of vibrating surfaces, proper balancing and maintenance of machinery can reduce
noise. Mufflers or silencers can control noise generated by turbulent fluid flow.
The control of noise along the path of transmission involves the modification of the paths by
which noise travels through the air to the employees. It can be achieved by complete or partial
enclosure of the source by placing an acoustical shield or barrier wall between the source
and the receiver, or by increasing the distance between them. Sometimes, the installation of
acoustical absorbing materials on ceilings or walls may result in significant reduction of noise.
Noise control at the receiver can be achieved by the use of hearing protectors, by use of
personal enclosure or application of administrative controls such as job rotation.

12

4.2

Hierarchy of Control

The control of noise hazard can be accomplished through the WSH Hierarchy of Control. See
Figure 1.

ELIMINATION
SUBSTITUTION

SAFE
WORKPLACE

ENGINEERING CONTROLS
ADMINISTRATIVE
CONTROLS
PERSONAL
PROTECTIVE
EQUIPMENT
(PPE)

SAFE
WORKER

Figure 1: WSH Hierarchy of Control.

4.2.1

Substitution and Engineering Controls

Under the WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, reasonably practicable steps should be taken
to eliminate any foreseeable safety and health risk at the workplace, including excessive noise
from equipment and machinery. Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk,
the option of replacing noisy machines with quieter ones should be considered.
Intrinsically quieter machinery is often more efficient, easier to maintain and less costly than
machinery retrofitted with treatments. Engineering noise control is another measure which
can be taken to minimise the risk. It involves the application of physical means to reduce the
noise level at the source, along the path or in the hearing zone of the employees.
Qualitative approach
Substitution involves replacing the hazard by one that presents a lower risk. For example,
substituting noisy machinery or equipment with ones designed for operation at lower noise
levels.
See Table 1 for examples of substitutes and Figure 2 which shows an example of substitution.

13

Examples of Noisy Equipment/Processes

Examples of Substitutes

Noisy equipment/machinery:

Pneumatic ejector
Mechanical press
Square shear
Gear drive
Single operation die
Power press

Mechanical ejector
Hydraulic press
Rotating shear
Belt drive
Step die
Laser cutting

Noisy processes:
Rolling or forging
Riveting
Chipping

Pressing
Welding
Arc or flame gouging

Table 1: Examples of substitution.

Figure 2: Substitution of jack hammer (left) with automated machine (right) to

break concrete reduced the noise level from 90 dB(A) to 83 dB(A).

Engineering controls
Engineering controls are physical means that limit the hazard. These include structural changes
to the work environment or work processes. Table 2 shows examples of engineering controls.

14

Types of Engineering Controls

Examples

Control noise from sources with vibrating surfaces

Reduce the driving force of vibrating
surfaces.

Reduce the speed

Maintain dynamic balance
Provide vibration isolation

Reduce the response of vibrating surfaces.

Reduce the sound radiation from vibrating

surfaces.

Reduce area of vibrating surface

Reduce overall size
Use perforated panels instead of solid ones

Modify material handling processes to

ensure that impact and shock during
handling and transport are minimised.

Minimise height of fall onto hard surface

Provide wear resistant rubber or plastic
coatings to absorb shocks

Reduce noise produced by fluid flow

(refer to Figure 3).

Install intake and exhaust mufflers or

silencers
Reduce velocity of fluid flow
Increase cross section of streams
Reduce pressure
Reduce air turbulence

Increase damping
Provide additional support
Increase stiffness of material
Increase mass of vibrating members
Modify size to change resonance frequency

Noise control along the transmission path

Reducing noise transmitted through the air
(refer to Figure 4).

Complete enclosure of noise sources

Confine high-noise machines to insulated
room and acoustically treat the area
Use sound absorbing material on walls
and ceilings in working areas to reduce
sound level due to reverberation
Erect acoustic barrier between the noise
source and the employees

Reduce noise transmitted through solid

structures.

Use flexible mountings

Use flexible section in pipe runs
Use flexible shaft couplings
Use fabric sections in ducts
Lay resilient flooring

Noise control at the receiver

Enclose employees to minimise the noise
transmitted to them
Table 2: Examples of engineering controls.
15

Enclosure of noisy machines

Figure 3: Installation of expansion chamber.

Figure 4: Enclosure of noise generating

chamber blast pot.

Expansion chamber (right) was installed

at the outlet of the calibration nozzle (left)
to reduce the noise generated by the high
pressure air jet at the nozzle. The noise level
was reduced from 112 dB(A) to 80 dB(A).

The noise generating chamber blast pot

(left) was completely enclosed (right). The
noise level was reduced from 85 dB(A) to 78
dB(A).

Some of the noise control measures described in Tables 1 and 2 can be implemented by plant
personnel, while other measures may require detailed noise analysis and specialised technical
knowledge to obtain the desired results.
In both cases, employees, particularly those who are directly involved in the work, should be
encouraged to participate in the development of the control measures to ensure that the
controls are practical and will not interfere with the employees tasks. Employees should be
involved in decisions that help improve working conditions and make them more receptive to
new control measures implemented.
The noise control officer can advise on the feasibility of the measures developed.
In addition, other health hazards such as ergonomics and lighting, associated with the
engineering controls should be taken into consideration during the design of the controls.

4.2.2

Administrative Controls

Administrative controls are any arrangements or procedures that limit the daily noise exposure
of employees by control of the work or production schedule. Examples of administrative
methods include:

Shortening the length of time an employee is exposed to excessive noise by job rotation;
and

Scheduling machine operating times to reduce the number of employees exposed to

noise.
Job rotation will reduce the noise exposure of some employees while increasing others, so
proper care and judgement is needed. For example, employees will need to be rotated away
from noisy jobs for a significant proportion of time to make an appreciable difference to their
daily exposure.
Administrative methods do not reduce the noise level and therefore, should not be used as a
primary means of preventing hearing loss. However, administrative controls can be considered
when engineering methods are not practicable.

16

4.2.3

Personal Protection

Appropriate, proper fitting individual hearing protectors should be considered as an interim

solution to reduce the sound exposure of the employees before engineering and administrative
noise controls can be administered or when the controls are not yet feasible. It can be used to
provide added protection in addition to engineering and administrative controls.
Refer to Section 5 for more information on hearing protectors.

4.3

Noise Control Plan

Once it has been ascertained through the risk evaluation process that the risk posed by
excessive noise present at the workplace is unacceptable, noise control measures should
be proposed as part of the risk assessment process to address the noise hazard identified.
The proposed control measures, the implementer and target date of completion should be
documented in the risk assessment form. From the risk assessment, an action plan for noise
control, or noise control plan, can be developed in which priorities for action are established
based on the level of risk.
The following should be taken into consideration when developing the noise control action plan:

Noise control measures for new and existing processes, machinery and equipment should
be considered;

In the case of new processes, machinery and equipment, the noise control officer should,
where possible, advise the management to specify low noise output of the processes,
machinery and equipment as a condition of purchase alongside production-related
specifications;

Arrange the workplace layout to minimise noise exposure to the employees;

In the case of existing processes, machinery and equipment, the noise control officer
should advise the management to consider alternative ways of production without
generating excessive noise;

If elimination of the noisy process or machine is not practicable, the noise control officer
should advise the management to consider replacing the noisy parts with quieter
alternatives;

If elimination and substitution are not practicable, the use of engineering and administrative
controls should be considered; and

Hearing protectors must be provided to all persons exposed to noise hazard during the
interim period of noise control implementation and in the absence of feasible engineering
and administrative controls. The noise control officer should advise the management to
provide hearing protection devices and ensure correct usage by the affected employees.

After the noise control action plan has been developed, the top management should endorse
it to ensure commitment in the implementation of the controls. There should be regular
monitoring of the noise control projects to ensure timely completion. After the noise control
measures have been implemented, their effectiveness should be evaluated through assessing
the residual risk.
17

5. Provision of Hearing Protectors

The purpose of hearing protection is to ensure that the exposed employees are adequately
protected from excessive noise. Employees who are exposed to excessive noise should
be provided with suitable hearing protectors. The hearing protectors serve to protect the
employees against excessive noise during the interim period before the noise is successfully
reduced through engineering control measures, or when engineering or administrative
measures are not feasible. Before hearing protectors are issued to the affected employees, the
need for their use and limitations should be fully explained.

5.1

Types of Hearing Protectors

The commonly used hearing protectors are ear muffs and earplugs. See Tables 3A and 3B for the
advantages and disadvantages of both types of protectors. Please refer to the Singapore Standard
SS 549 : 2009 Code of practice for selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing protectors for
details on special types of hearing protectors.
Types of Hearing
Protectors
a. Ear Muffs
(refer to Figure 5).

Advantages

Disadvantages

A single size can fit most

employees
Easily worn and taken off
Generally provide better
protection compared to
earplugs
More durable
Easily seen at a distance
to assist in the monitoring
of their use
Not easily misplaced or
lost

More expensive
Uncomfortable to
wear, especially in hot
environment
Difficult to use in tight
spaces
More inconvenient when
used with other personal
protective equipment
May interfere with the
wearing of safety or
prescription glasses:
wearing glasses results
in breaking the seal
between the ear muff and
the skin, reducing hearing
protection

Table 3A: Advantages and disadvantages of ear muffs.

18

Types of Hearing
Protectors
b. Earplugs
(refer to Figures 6 & 7).

Advantages
Small
Cheap
Convenient to use with
other personal protective
equipment
More comfortable in hot,
humid work areas
Convenient for use in
confined work areas

Disadvantages
Requires more time to fit
More difficult to insert
and remove
Require good hygiene
practices
May irritate the ear canal
Easily misplaced
More difficult to see and
monitor usage

Table 3B: Advantages and disadvantages of earplugs.

Figure 5: Ear Muffs

Ear muffs consist of a pair of
cushioned cups that form a seal
around the ears. The muffs are
designed to cover the entire ear,
preventing the entry of noise.

5.2

Figure 6: Earplugs
Non-disposable or reusable
earplugs are made of silicone,
rubber or plastic, and they come
in various shapes and sizes as
the size of the ear canal varies
from person to person.

Figure 7: Disposable earplugs

Disposable earplugs are made
of polyurethane foam or glass
wool and they are thrown away
after a few uses.

Selection of Hearing Protectors

The following are factors to consider when selecting hearing protectors.

5.2.1

Noise Exposure Level of the Employees

Selection of hearing protectors should be based on their ability to reduce noise at the ear
below the permissible exposure limit (PEL) in specific exposure situations, hence the noise
exposure that employees are exposed to in an equivalent 8-hour period should be known. The
measurement of noise levels should be carried out by a competent noise monitoring officer.
Reference should be made to the WSH (Noise) Regulations and/or guides available on the
MOM website.
Where employees are exposed to noise levels at or above 100 dB(A), earplugs or ear muffs
alone do not provide sufficient protection. In such cases, employees are required to wear both
earplugs and ear muffs.

19

5.2.2

Degree of Attenuation Required

Three methods of estimating the effective noise level at the ear when hearing protectors are
worn are given in SS 549 : 2009 and the reader is advised to refer to it for guidance. Hearing
protection is considered adequate when hearing protection is able to reduce the noise level at
the ear between 5 and 10 dB(A) below the PEL for noise.
When selecting hearing protectors, one must know the noise exposure level and the noise
reduction rating (NRR) of the hearing protectors, which is the expected level of noise reduction
in the ears when they are properly worn. The higher the NRR, the higher is the attenuation for a
specific ideal situation. The NRR is provided by the manufacturers and it differs from one model
to another. However as the effectiveness of hearing protection in the real world may differ
from the NRR that is derived from laboratory studies, refer to SS 549 : 2009 for more information
on adjustment (derating) of NRR of the hearing protectors.
The following are reproduced from SS 549 : 2009.

Ear muffs: subtract 25% from the labelled NRR

Foam earplugs and custom moulded earplugs: subtract 50% from the labelled NRR

All other earplugs, including semi-inserts: subtract 70% from the labelled NRR

Useful reference:

SS 549 : 2009 Code of practice for selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing
protectors

5.2.3

Comfort and Fit to the User

5.2.4

Suitability for Use

5.2.5

Need for Hearing Warning Signals and Speech Intelligibility

Individual fitting of the hearing protectors is necessary to ensure optimum performance.

Adequate protection can be achieved if the hearing protectors are individually fitted to each
employee and therefore, achieve an acoustic seal with acceptable comfort.
The types of hearing protectors selected should be suitable for the working environment
and the type of job involved. For example, ear muffs will be a preferred choice over earplugs
in unclean working conditions, where there is a risk of infection to the user. Earplugs are
recommended in work areas with high temperature and humidity.
The selected hearing protectors should be able to reduce the noise level to below the PEL
of 85 dB(A) at the ear. However, employees should not be issued hearing protectors with
unnecessarily high attenuation as it may bring about communication difficulties and cause
isolation. Such problems caused by over protection can result in employees refusal to wear
the hearing protectors. A suitable hearing protector should reduce the noise level to between
5 and 10 dB(A) below the PEL.

20

5.2.6

Medical conditions

Before hearing protectors are issued to the employees, they should be examined to determine
if they are suffering from any medical conditions related to the ears such as irritation of the ear
canal. In such cases, they should avoid wearing earplugs.
Individuals react differently to the use of hearing protectors. Therefore, a successful HCP
should consider and respond to the needs of each employee. Employees should be provided
with a range of hearing protectors to enable them to choose the appropriate ones which fit
them comfortably. Such employees involvement in the selection of their hearing protectors
will increase their acceptance and therefore, encourage the wearing of hearing protectors.
Management can also promote wearing hearing protectors at the workplace by requesting
all personnel including the managers, supervisors and visitors to wear protectors at all
times when they are in the hearing protection areas. Such a practice will demonstrate the
managements commitment to hearing protection and encourage the employees to use their
hearing protectors even while they are involved in noisy activities after working hours.

5.3

Proper Wearing of Hearing Protectors

Improper wearing of hearing protectors can lead to diminished hearing protection. Thus,
employees should be adequately trained in the correct method of wearing hearing protectors
to ensure that they receive the maximum protection. In addition, employees should be
encouraged to periodically check their hearing protectors during the work day if they need to
be adjusted to maintain a reliable fit.
Prior to using hearing protectors, employees should perform a visual check to ensure that
there is no deformity or damage.
Techniques for wearing earplugs

SQUEEZE

ROLL

PUSH

FIT

a. Disposable foam earplugs:

i. Roll and squeeze the earplug.
ii. Pull the upper part of the ear
(pinna) up, out and back.
iii. Insert the foam earplug.
iv. Keep the plug in place using a
finger for five to ten seconds
while it expands as this will
prevent it from being dislodged.
b. Reusable earplugs:
i. Pull the upper part of the ear
(pinna) up, out and back.
ii. Insert the disposable earplug till
it fits snugly.

21

Figure 8: Correct way of wearing disposable foam

earplugs.

When wearing ear muffs, the ear cup of the ear muffs
should cover the ear lobes completely.

Figure 9: Correct way of wearing

ear muffs.

5.4

Maintenance of Hearing Protectors

Employees should be trained on the proper use and care of their hearing protectors to
maintain the effectiveness of the hearing protectors. For personal hygiene, reusable earplugs
must be washed frequently in warm, soapy water and left to dry before keeping. Ear muffs may
be cleaned with disposable alcohol wipes. See Figures 10 and 11.

Figure 10: Cleaning of earplugs.

Figure 11: Cleaning of ear muffs.

Wear and tear, and hardening of the earplugs or ear muff cushions will cause them to crack
and lose their shape resulting in an improper fit. Hearing protectors should be checked
regularly and replaced when necessary. They should also be kept in a clean place when not
in use.
A system should be set up to check the state of the hearing protectors regularly and employees
must repair and replace them whenever necessary. This will ensure that the hearing protectors
are in good condition at all times.

Figure 12: Dirty earplugs.

Figure 13: Deformed ear muffs.

22

5.5

Consistent Use of Hearing Protectors

Areas where employees are likely to be exposed to

excessive noise should be identified and clearly defined.
Warning signs should be posted at all entrances to the
Hearing Protector Areas to indicate the use of hearing
protectors. See Figure 14.
Regular inspections should be conducted to ensure that
employees are wearing hearing protectors correctly at all
times in these designated areas. Employees who do not
wear hearing protectors should be counselled to help
them understand that they are responsible for conserving
their own hearing.

Figure 14: Hearing protector sign.

Important

Employees should be informed that the removal of hearing protectors for even a short
period of time can significantly reduce their effectiveness and result in inadequate
protection. If hearing protectors are worn for only 50% of the time, a protection of
only about 3 dB(A) reduction is obtained. Employees should only take off their hearing
protectors when they are away from the loud noise.
For example, a person is exposed to an equivalent continuous noise level (Leq) of 105
dB(A). In order to reduce the Leq to 85 dB(A) which is the PEL, hearing protectors have
to be worn for as much as 99% of the total exposure time. In practice, however, hearing
protectors do not provide infinite attenuation as some sound energy reaches the ear
while they are worn.
As it is uncomfortable to wear hearing protectors for long periods of time in certain
environments, the management should provide quiet rest areas where employees can
take a break without wearing the hearing protectors.

23

6. Training and Education

6.1

Importance of Training and Education

Training and education are necessary for employees

to understand the importance of protecting their
hearing. They will then be more motivated to actively
participate in the programme. Besides noise-exposed
employees, supervisors and managers who are
responsible for the noisy areas, and persons involved
in the HCP should be included in the training. The
training should increase employees awareness of the
noise hazard and approaches they can adopt to take
care of their hearing.

6.2

Figure 15: Employee receiving training on

the proper wearing of hearing protectors.

Content of Training

The HCP training should be carried out annually for employees exposed to excessive noise
and within three months of job commencement for new employees. The training programme
should include:
Relevant provisions of the WSH Act, WSH (Risk Management) Regulations, WSH (Noise)
Regulations and WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations;

Adverse effects of noise on hearing;

Purpose and benefits of the HCP;

HCP policies;

Purpose of hearing protectors;

Advantages, disadvantages and attenuation of the various hearing protectors;

Instructions on the proper selection, fitting, use, care and maintenance of hearing
protectors;

Importance of the consistent wearing of hearing protectors;

Purpose and procedures of audiometric testing, including pre-test instructions; and

Explanation of the audiometric results and preventive measures.

During the training sessions, employees should be encouraged to provide suggestions and
comments on:

Suitability of available hearing protectors in relation to their job;

Possible ways to further reduce the noise levels; and

Ways to motivate the wearing of hearing protectors.

24

Employees should be informed of the progress of the HCP implementation. In this way, they
will appreciate the level of managements commitment to the programme. In addition to the
training sessions, discussions on hearing health topics can be included in the general safety
meetings scheduled regularly.
All training should be conducted in languages understood by all employees who are exposed
to excessive noise. The training content should be reviewed periodically to ensure that it
remains effective in meeting the objectives. The effectiveness of the training can be determined
through compliance with proper and consistent use of hearing protectors, understanding the
noise hazard, and its control and prevention.

25

7. Audiometric Examinations
Audiometric examinations are an important part of the HCP as employees with mild hearing
loss can be identified. The symptoms of NID do not manifest till a significant threshold shift
has occurred. Such early detection of hearing loss will provide the opportunity for immediate
measures to be taken to prevent further deterioration. The results of the audiometric
examinations can also be used to check if hearing protectors have been worn by the exposed
subjects.

7.1

WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations

The WSH (Medical Examinations) Regulations requires all persons exposed to excessive noise
to undergo pre-placement and periodic medical examinations. These examinations include an
audiometric examination.
Some of the regulations relevant to the HCP are as follows:
Pre-placement check-up for employees exposed to excessive noise: Employees exposed
to excessive noise must be medically examined by a DWD and certified fit for work in the
occupation before or within three months of commencement of work.

Periodic medical check-up for employees exposed to excessive noise: Annual audiometric
examinations must be conducted for all persons exposed to excessive noise.

The audiometric examination has to be conducted by a person who has undergone a

training course acceptable to the Commissioner for WSH.

All examinations shall be arranged by the employer at his expense:

i. The employer is to grant paid leave of absence to that person required to undergo such
medical examinations;
ii. The employer is to keep the report of every medical examination of each person
exposed to excessive noise for a period of at least five years from the date of the
medical examination; and
iii. The results of the examinations are to be summarised in the Summary Report of
Examinations and submitted to the Commissioner for WSH annually.

The employer has to keep a record of persons who are or have been exposed to excessive
noise in the last five years.

The occupier of the factory shall permit the DWD to inspect the premises of the workplace
and any process or work that the person being examined by the DWD is to be employed in.

26

7.1.1

Audiometric Examinations Records and Forms

Records of audiometric examinations must be kept for at least five years from the date of
examination. A Summary Report of the Examinations, together with the abnormal audiometric
examination results should be submitted annually to the Occupational Safety and Health
Division, Ministry of Manpower. The following are designed for use in meeting the statutory
requirements:
i. Audiometric Examinations

This documents each employees hearing status at the time of examination.

It allows the doctor or employer to observe progression of the hearing status.

The DWD could include certification of fitness or unfitness together with the results of the
audiometric examinations.

The employer should file results of the audiometric examinations for each worker
chronologically.

Copies of abnormal results are to be included with the Summary Report of Examinations.

ii. Certificate of Fitness

Certification by the DWD that the employee is fit or unfit for noise exposure at preemployment testing or upon re-exposure after being transferred out.
iii. Certificate of Suspension

Certification by the DWD that the employee should not work in the noisy environment for
a particular period of time.

iv. Register of persons exposed to excessive noise

Know who are at risk of developing NID and should undergo regular medical examinations.

The register should be kept up-to-date at all times.

The DWD would summarise the findings of a round of medical examinations in a Summary
Report of Examinations for exposure to excessive noise. The Occupational Safety and
Health Division requires a copy of the Summary Report of Examinations to be submitted
annually to the Division together with the results of the abnormal audiograms.

7.1.2

Notification Procedure

Under the WSH (Incident Reporting) Regulations, persons suspected to be suffering from
NID have to be notified to the Commissioner for WSH. The employer of that employee
shall submit a report to the Commissioner, no later than 10 days after receipt of the
written diagnosis prepared by the registered medical practitioner diagnosing the NID.
Similarly, any registered medical practitioner who diagnoses any employee with NID
shall, no later than 10 days after the diagnosis, submit a report to the Commissioner. Any
notification or reporting shall be made in such form and manner as set out on the website
www.mom.gov.sg/iReport
27

7.2 Audiometric Examinations

Accurate audiometric results help to ensure correct interpretation of findings and correct
diagnosis. The results also help reduce employees and employers anxiety from false outcome
and time wastage from repeat tests.

Figure 16: Giving pre-test instructions.

7.2.1

Figure 17: Conducting the audiometric

examination.

Achieving an Accurate Test Result

Pre-test instruction to employees

Employees should not be exposed to noise for at least 16 hours before the test. Employees
who are suffering from a cold, chest infection, sore throat or ear ache should seek medical
advice prior to the test. This is to ensure that the test results reflect the employees actual
hearing levels.
Acoustic environment
The background noise level can interfere and affect the accuracy of the test results. Therefore,
testing should be conducted in a proper booth where the background noise level does not
exceed the levels given below. The DWD should check that the audiometric testing facilities
meet the standard.
Maximum Allowable Octave-band Sound Pressure Levels for Audiometric Test Booths
The background noise levels in audiometric booths should be within the following values.

Octave-band Centre Frequency (Hz)

Sound Pressure Level (dB)

250

40

500

40

1000

40

2000

47

4000

57

6000

62

8000

67

28

Audiometer
DWDs should ensure that their audiometers are
calibrated regularly.
Testing procedure
Testing should include air conduction testing and/
or bone conduction testing. If the air conduction test
results are abnormal (i.e., more than 30 dB(A)), bone
conduction testing is required.
Role of audiometric technician
The tester is responsible for an accurate test result and
is required under the WSH (Medical Examinations)
Regulations to undergo formal training in industrial
audiometry.

7.2.2

Figure 18: An audiometer.

Role of Designated Workplace Doctor

The DWD has to ensure that the audiometric testing facilities meet the conditions stated in
Section 5.2.1 and employees are given proper pre-test instructions.
The DWD has to examine all newly discovered abnormal cases as an abnormal audiometric
result may be the result of causes other than occupational noise. Cases previously diagnosed
as NID may need to be reviewed if there is deterioration in the hearing status. To help the
doctor reach a diagnosis, all serial audiograms (past audiograms) should be made available
to him.
The DWD may not conduct the actual audiometric test but has to ensure that the employee
is informed of the results of the test. The DWD has to advise the employee on measures to
prevent further hearing loss. The employee should also be taught the correct technique of
wearing hearing protectors and the possibility of being transferred to a non-noisy place if
significant deterioration in hearing is found during the next medical examination.
If an employee needs to be transferred, the DWD will issue a Certificate of Suspension to the
employee, his employer and the Commissioner for WSH.
In addition, the DWD should assist the employer in evaluating the test results and identifying
employees at risk of hearing loss. With this information, management can plan preventive
measures and prioritise their actions. Any follow up action arising from such evaluation should
be implemented and documented by the company.

29

8. Record Keeping
The objective of record keeping is to document HCP activities. As NID occurs gradually upon
exposure to excessive noise, complete documentation can also aid in retaining information
needed for the evaluation on the effectiveness of the preventive and control measures.

8.1

Types of Records

The records should include all items listed below for each element of the programme:

HCP policy statement;

Records of noise monitoring made available for at least 10 years from the date of
monitoring;

Records of risk assessment kept available for at least three years;

Noise Control Plan kept available for at least three years;

Documentation of noise control solutions;

Documentation to show the issue, fitting and training of hearing protectors;

Documentation of employees training;

Records of audiometric calibration data (for audiometric technician);

Records of audiometric examinations kept for at least five years from the date of
examination;

Records of follow up actions in response to employees hearing threshold shifts; and

Records of programme evaluation.

The records should include the names of the personnel who performed the HCP tasks, date of
the records and results.

8.2

Managements Responsibilities in Record Keeping

Management should ensure that adequate resources are provided for efficient record
processing, review and storage. In addition, management should ensure that confidentiality
of personal data is maintained and the records are available to WSH inspectors and authorised
personnel such as occupational physicians, DWDs and nurses. Employees should also be
allowed access to his/her records.

30

9. Programme Evaluation
Evaluation of a HCP is required to determine the effectiveness of the programme in preventing
NID and to identify any gaps with specific elements for immediate corrective actions to be taken.
The evaluation should be performed on a periodic basis to ensure continual improvements
and involves a team effort.

9.1

Approaches to Programme Evaluation

Three approaches can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the HCP:

i. Assess the completeness and quality of the programme elements
The evaluation can be performed through the use of a checklist as shown in Annex D.
ii. Analysis of employees audiometric test records
Audiometric test records provide the data that can be used to determine whether the
programme is effective in preventing NID. Current audiometric examination results of the
exposed employee can be compared to his/her previous audiograms to identify hearing
loss progression.

Results of individual employee can also be compared to the results of other employees
with similar noise exposure. If all the employees with similar noise exposure exhibit
increased hearing loss, it suggests that the existing noise control measures are not effective.
Nevertheless, if significant threshold shift occurs only for one employee, it suggests that the
employee may not be wearing the required hearing protectors properly and consistently
or is likely to be exposed to excessive noise from off-the-job activities. In such cases, the
employee will have to be counselled and the training content and methodology will have
to be reviewed.

iii. Gather feedback from the employees

As employees are one of the key participants in the HCP, they should be encouraged to
provide feedback on the merits or shortcomings of the programme and offer suggestions
that can improve the HCP. To maintain active participation from the employees,
management and the HCP team should be receptive to the feedback and respond actively
in making modifications to address the deficiencies when necessary.

31

The management needs to be committed to act on the outcome of the programme

evaluation. They should promptly acknowledge and correct any deficiencies identified.

10. Annexes
Annex A:
Hearing Conservation Programme for Managing Noise Risk

Planning

Identification of
Noise Hazard
&
Risk Evaluation

Noise Control

Hearing Protection

Training &
Education

Evaluation

Audiometric
Examinations

Record
Keeping

32

Annex B:
Guidelines on Noise Monitoring and Submission of Reports

Introduction

Noise monitoring is a quantitative assessment of persons exposed to noise. It helps to identify

persons at risk from excessive noise. It is one of the key elements in the Hearing Conservation
Programme (see Appendix 1 of Annex B) which aims to conserve the hearing of persons
exposed to excessive noise.
Under the WSH (Noise) Regulations (hereby referred to as Noise Regulations), the occupier of a
workplace shall appoint a competent person to conduct regular noise monitoring if there are
10 or more persons exposed to, or are likely to be exposed to excessive noise at the workplace.
The competent person must correctly interpret the results of noise monitoring, prepare a noise
monitoring report and submit the report to the occupier. The occupier will keep the report as
records and submit a copy to the Commissioner for WSH.
These guidelines provide guidance in carrying out noise monitoring and in preparation for
submission of Noise Monitoring Reports in accordance with the Noise Regulations.

Legal Requirements

Under the Noise Regulations, it is mandatory for all workplaces to conduct noise monitoring
at least once every three years if there are 10 or more persons exposed, or likely to be exposed
to excessive noise. In the Noise Regulations1, a person is deemed to be exposed to excessive
noise if the noise that he will be exposed to when not wearing any hearing protectors exceeds:

PEL for noise specified in the Schedule of the Noise Regulations;

An equivalent sound pressure level of 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour work day, in any case where
the noise is at a fluctuating sound pressure level; or

Peak sound pressure level exceeding 140 dB(C).

Noise monitoring shall be conducted by a competent person who has attended and passed an
approved training course such as the Noise Monitoring Officer course conducted by Accredited
Training Providers (ATPs). The competent person shall carry out noise monitoring using:

Recognised methods;

Accepted standard procedures; and

Suitable equipment which is properly calibrated to ensure accuracy.

1 For the WSH (Noise) Regulations, visit http://www.mom.gov.sg/legislation/occupational-safety-health/Pages/default.

aspx

33

The competent person must properly interpret the results of the monitoring, prepare a report
of the results of the monitoring and submit it to the occupier of the workplace, no later than
14 days after the monitoring.
Upon receiving the report, the occupier must communicate the contents of the report to all
relevant persons within 14 days and submit a copy to the Commissioner for WSH no later than
30 days. The method for submission can be found on Page 39. The records of noise monitoring
should be kept by the occupier for at least 10 years.

Instrumentation

Competent persons conducting noise monitoring should ensure that the equipment used
during monitoring should minimally meet the following standards:
Sound level meters, including the microphone and associated cables must meet the
requirements for IEC 61672-1:2002 Electroacoustics - Sound level meter - Part 1 Specifications,
Class 1 or Class 2. Class 1 instrumentation is preferred and should be used when measuring
noise dominated by high frequencies.
Dosimeters, including the microphone and associated cables must meet the requirements
specified in IEC 61252 Electroacoustic. Specifications for personal sound exposure meters.
Dosimeters fulfilling the requirements of IEC 61672-1:2002, Class 1, are recommended and
should be used when measuring noise dominated by high frequencies.
Calibrators shall meet the requirements specified in IEC 60942:2003 Electroacoustics Sound calibrators, Class 1.
In addition, the calibration of the instruments should be verified at intervals in a laboratory
making calibrations traceable to appropriate standards. It is recommended that the instruments
should be verified at intervals not exceeding 12 months. The date of the last verification and
name of the laboratory that verified it should be recorded in the monitoring report.

Method for Assessing Noise Exposure

Defining Similar Exposure Groups

Every worker who is exposed to or is likely to be exposed to excessive noise must be included
in the Noise Monitoring exercise. However, some workplaces employ a large number of
workers who are exposed to excessive noise. A better alternative of utilising resources for
noise monitoring is statistical monitoring that collects sufficient noise exposure data to
make informed decisions. This can be achieved by grouping workers who have similar noise
exposure (e.g., perform the same tasks, have similar job functions, or work in the same area),
into similar exposure groups (SEGs).
A well defined SEG helps to minimise the variability of exposure monitoring data. Regardless
of how the groups are defined, it is important that they must be verified in consultation with
the workers and supervisor. The maximum number of workers per SEG is 50, as specified in
Table 4.
N.B. Competent persons must justify the reasons for classifying each SEG and include the
justifications as part of the Noise Monitoring Report.
34

Determining Daily Noise Exposure Levels

After the SEG is defined, workers from the SEG are randomly selected to be assessed for
their daily noise exposure levels. The number of subjects per SEG is provided in Table 4. It
is important for the competent person to maintain randomness in the approach to select
workers for assessing noise exposure. For example, it is not appropriate to exclude workers on
days when their exposure are likely to be less than normal due to a scheduled training class,
personnel meeting, or other activities carried out in a quiet setting.
A personal monitoring, sometimes known as dosimetry, gives a more accurate representation
of the workers exposure to noise during his entire work shift. The dosimeter which is used
for personal monitoring stores the noise level measured during the monitoring and averages
the data that it collects concurrently. At the end of the monitoring, a Sound Pressure Level
verses Time plot (hereby referred to as the Sound Level Profile) can be retrieved from the
accompanying computer software.
For practical reasons, it may not be possible to measure the noise levels over the entire working
day. In these cases, measurements should as far as possible, be taken during the major part of
the day (~80% of the work shift) and at least cover all significant periods of noise exposure.
At the end of the personal monitoring, the validity of the measurement should be examined
by the worker and a competent person so as to identify the different tasks and events logged
by the dosimeter.
Monitoring should be assessed carefully to ensure estimation with reasonable confidence. To
identify the top 20% noise exposed persons within a 95% confidence level, refer to Table 42 to
determine the number of dosimetry samples required.
N.B. Competent persons conducting the dosimetry must include the following items in the
Noise Monitoring Report:

Criterion Level;

Exchange Rate;

Threshold; and

Name and identification number (NRIC/FIN) of worker monitored.

Total Number in Job (N)

7-8

9-11

12-14

15-18

19-26

27-43

44-50

Required Number of
Samples (n)

10

11

12

Table 4: Sample Size for Top 20% and Confidence 0.95.

Note: Use n=N if N6

2 Leidel, N.A., Busch, K.A., and Lynch, J.R. (1977). Occupational Exposure Sampling Strategy Manual, NIOSH Publication
No. 77-173, U.S. Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, Cincinnati, OH.

35

Determining Noise Levels Emitted by Machines

Machine noise levels must be monitored and recorded, including unwanted sounds emitted by
machines, especially those in the manufacturing sectors. Monitoring machine noise levels also
ensures that the noisiest machine receives the top priority for allocation of budget for noise
controls. Majority of the noisy machines generate noise similar to the patterns listed in Table
5. Competent persons should record the noise levels in accordance with the recommended
sampling method for each noise pattern as closely as possible.
For each machine, at least three measurements should be taken and the average result is
recorded. It is recommended that noise levels be measured at different times during the task
or at different areas having the same machine type or model to ensure that the variation in
noise levels is captured.
N.B. If it is not possible to follow the recommended sampling method, the competent person
should verify his method and justification should be included as part of the Noise Monitoring
Report.
Calibrating the Dosimeter or Sound Level Meter Before and After Monitoring (Field
Calibration)
Field calibration includes an acoustic calibration check of the dosimeter or sound level meter
and should be performed with a sound calibrator at a quiet location. At the start of each
dosimetry, a field calibration with appropriate adjustments should be performed. At the end
of the dosimetry, a field calibration without adjustment should be performed. If the reading
at any frequency at the end of a dosimetry differs from the reading of that frequency at the
beginning by more than 0.5 dB3, the results should be discarded.
N.B. Competent persons should include documentary proof of field calibration (dosimetry or
machine noise measurements).

3 BS EN ISO 9612:2009 Acoustics. Determination of occupational noise exposure. Engineering method.

36

Machine Noise Patterns

Steady Noise

Sampling Method
Description: Noise levels are fairly steady and meter
reading on slow response does not fluctuate more
than 3 dB.
Method: A spot measurement, as close to the
operators hearing zone as possible.
Duration: At least 5 minutes. If task duration is less
than 5 minutes, measurement duration shall be
equal to the duration of the task.

Fluctuating Noise

Description: Noise levels are not steady and meter

reading on slow response varies over a 3 to 10 dB
range.
Method: A spot measurement, as close to the
operators hearing zone as possible.
Duration: Sufficient to include the maximum
and minimum readings and at least 5 minutes
(for average results). If task duration is less than 5
minutes, measurement duration shall be at least
equal to 3 times the duration of the task.

Impulse/Impact Noise

Description: A sudden loud noise that differs

greatly from the normal noise levels experienced in
the workplace.
Method: A spot measurement, as close to the
operators hearing zone as possible.
Duration: Sufficient to capture the peak sound level
on the A weightage and the C weightage scales.

Table 5: Noise Patterns and Recommended Sampling Method.

Presentation of Results

Noise Maps and Machine Noise

Noise mapping is an important aid to visualise the work locations and noise exposure levels on
a general layout plan of the workplace. Depending on the layout of the workplace, a noise map
can be prepared by demarcating the workplace in the form of:

Grid;

Radial;

Contour; or

Other patterns.

The competent person can apply one or a combination of the above methods to ensure the
noise mapping is done accurately and objectively to indicate the noise levels at the workplace.

37

In the noise maps, areas with excessive noise (i.e., any machine or area, after averaging at least
three spot measurements, those with measurements more than 85 dB(A)) must be clearly
indicated in the periphery of the machine or area depending on the segregation method
deployed. A sign indicating the need for hearing protection should also be posted.
Noise mapping is covered in greater detail in the training of the competent persons and
therefore, will not be covered in this set of guidelines.
On the noise maps, the competent person should measure the average sound pressure level
by spot measurements of each machine and include the measurements in the final report.
Depending on the workplace monitored, the noise from the machine to be measured can vary
extensively and the competent person should try to include all machines at the workplace for
noise measurement.
Results Table
The results of each dosimetry obtained shall be summarised and tabulated in accordance with
the Results Table (see Appendix 2).
The Results Table should minimally address the following:
Identification of jobs, work, operations or processes that expose workers to excessive
noise. The descriptors are either LAeq,8 hr in dB(A) or peak noise level in dB(C);

Noise results rounded up to a whole number. For example, if a dosimetry measures 96.7
dB(A), the result should be rounded up to 97 dB(A); and

A statement stating work conditions (or otherwise) at the point the noise measurements
were taken and description of the work activities carried out.

Recommendation to Implement a Hearing Conservation Programme

In a workplace where workers are exposed to excessive noise, the competent person who
compiles the Noise Monitoring Report, must include a Recommendation section (see Appendix
4) that addresses the workplaces shortfalls after implementing a HCP.
The recommendations shall include, but are not limited to the following:
Identify the noisy processes, operations or work, equipment and machines;
Conduct a risk assessment, or revise the existing risk assessment and include noise as
a potential hazard at workplace. Evaluate its risk and identify control measures to be
implemented to control and reduce the noise levels at the workplace;

Identify person(s) who require hearing protection devices (HPDs) and:

-

Recommend suitable type of HPDs according to Singapore Standard SS 549 : 2009 Code
of practice for selection, use, care and maintaince of hearing protectors; and

- Recommend training topics or materials for responsible persons to train workers

exposed to excessive noise annually, on topics such as the correct method of putting
on the HPD and the frequency to replace the protectors provided to ensure their
effectiveness.
38

 Post appropriate signs, warning of the noise hazard reminding workers to put on HPDs.
Warning signs should be posted at all entrances to and at the periphery of all areas of the
workplace in which noise is excessive;

Identify areas with excessive noise levels and ensure that all workers in these areas have
gone through periodic audiometric examinations. Audiometric examinations shall be
carried out by person who has undergone a course of training in audiometric screening
acceptable to the Commissioner for WSH; and

Identify areas with excessive noise levels and ensure that any new worker in the area is
certified fit for work by a DWD, no later than three months after the date he commences
work.

Noise Monitoring Report

After conducting the noise monitoring, the competent person must prepare a Noise
Monitoring Report (see page 40 for sample) and submit it to the occupier for risk assessment
of noise hazard.
The occupier must retain a copy of the Noise Monitoring Report for at least 10 years. The same
report must be submitted to the Commissioner for WSH, Ministry of Manpower.
There are two ways to submit Noise Monitoring Reports to the Commissioner for WSH:
Method 1 Soft Copy (Recommended Method)
Submit online. More information on e-submission can be found on:
http://www.mom.gov.sg/workplace-safety-health/worker-workplace-surveillance/
workplace-health-surveillance/Pages/NoiseMonitoringReportSubmission.aspx
N.B. A scanned copy of the Report must be uploaded during the e-submission. All relevant
documents must also be uploaded during the e-submission to prevent delays in approving
the reports. Maximum file size is 3 MB per file. Multiple uploads are acceptable.
Method 2 Hard Copy
Mail to
: Ministry of Manpower
Occupational Safety and Health Division
1500 Bendemeer Road,
# 03-02
Singapore 339946

39

Attn : Commissioner for WSH

Enc : Noise Monitoring Report

Noise Monitoring Report (Sample)

Workplace Safety and Health (Noise) Regulations

Regulation 7(1)
Noise Monitoring Report
Part A. Details of Competent Person
Name:

NRIC No.:

Part B. Details of Workplace Monitored

Name of Workplace:
Workplace Number:
Address:
Tel No.:

Fax No.:

Date and Time of Monitoring:

Part C. Workplace Representative(s)
Name:

Designation:

Tel No.:

Name:

Designation:

Tel No.:

Name:

Designation:

Tel No.:

Part D. Details of Instrumentation

Instrument

Brand

Model

Serial No.

Type

Calibrator Used (Brand/Model/Serial No.)

40

Part E. Certification
Attached to this report is a copy of the following certificates and documents:

Certificate of the competent person (after completing the relevant training courses);

Certificate of primary calibration (as per manufacturers recommendations); and

Printouts of field calibration (before and after monitoring).

Part F. Noise Map & Machine Noise Levels
Attached to this report is a copy of the following:
Layout plan clearly highlighting areas or machines with sound pressure levels above 85
dB(A) ; and

A separate table collating the noise levels emitted by individual machine at the workplace
and an indication of the number of hours the machine operates on a normal working day.

Part G. Results Table for Personal Monitoring

A Results Table for the dosimetry conducted for workers from different SEGs is attached, and
workers who are exposed to excessive noise are clearly highlighted and identified.
Part H. Recommendations for Implementation of Hearing Conservation Programme
The monitored workplace is assessed for the implementation of a HCP and the findings are
included in this report. Any shortfalls in the implementation are highlighted and the occupier
is briefed on how to implement the various elements.

N.B.: All parts, i.e., Part A to H, must be completed and submitted in the Noise Monitoring
Report, unless otherwise specified. Any submitted report that is missing any part(s) may
render the report incomplete and be considered as not submitted.

41

Appendix 1 - Hearing Conservation Programme

Planning

Identification of
Noise Hazard
&
Risk Evaluation

Noise Control

Hearing Protection

Training &
Education

Evaluation

Audiometric
Examinations

Record
Keeping

42

43

No. of
persons in
the SEG
Job
Description

Running
Time of
Dosimeter
(minutes)

Duration of
Exposure
Per Day
(minutes)
LAeq, 8 hr
dB(A)

% Dose

Each dosimetry should occupy one row of the Results Table. Please specify all activities under Job Description column.

NRIC/FIN of
Person
Monitored

Remarks

LAeq,T is the equivalent sound pressure level measured over a period of time T. LAeq,8h is the equivalent sound pressure level measured over
an 8-hour work shift. Duration of exposure per day is the time the person is exposed to noise at the corresponding level during a normal
work shift.

If any worker is exposed to excessive noise, his results should be clearly highlighted to stand out from those that are not.

N.B:

S/N

Name of
Person
Monitored

Part G. Results Table (Personal Monitoring)

Appendix 2 - Results Table (Personal Monitoring)

Appendix 3 - Recommendations for Implementation of HCP for Noisy

Workplaces (An Example)

S/N
1

Element of HCP

Implemented4
(Y/N)

Identification of Noise Hazard

Yes

Supporting
documents

Noise monitoring successfully identifies

work stations or tasks exposing workers to
excessive noise.

Yes

Supporting
documents

Noise Control Plans

Yes

Included in Noise
Monitoring Report

No

Short Term: Provide

hearing protectors
to exposed workers.

Risk assessment identifies noise as a hazard

and controls are put in place to manage
exposure.

Remarks

If there are more than 50 workers exposed

to excessive noise, the legal requirement for
a Noise Control Officer is made known to the
occupier/responsible person(s).
If the company has more than 50 workers
exposed to excessive noise, a long term and
short term plan are put in place to manage
excessive noise at the workplace.

Long Term:
Company to
appoint a Noise
Control Officer to
advise on all noise
control solutions.
N.B. All reasonably
practicable noise
controls must
be explored. The
provision of hearing
protectors is a
short term measure
while long term
controls are being
implemented.

4 Implementation at the point of compiling the Noise Monitoring Report.

44

S/N
3

Element of HCP
Audiometric Examinations

Implemented4
(Y/N)
Yes

Supporting
documents

Any new worker expected to be working in

the identified noisy areas must have a preplacement audiometric examination conducted
no later than three months of commencing
work in the workplace.

Yes

Supporting
documents

Audiometric examinations are carried out

by trained persons i.e., industrial audiometric
technicians.

Yes

Supporting
documents

Training and Education

Yes

Supporting
documents

No

Supporting
documents
Evidence to
support claims
that warning
signs are being
posted in noisy
areas.

If any worker is exposed to excessive noise, he

is included in the list of workers to be examined
for hearing loss (including audiometric
examinations) annually.

Remarks

If any worker is exposed to excessive noise, he

is included in the list of workers to be trained
annually. Any new workers who are expected
to be working in the identified noisy areas
must be trained within three months of
commencing work in the workplace.
The training topics should include the
following:
- Relevant provisions of the WSH Act and
Noise Regulations;
- Effects of noise on hearing;
- Purpose of hearing protectors;
- Advantages, disadvantages and attenuation
of various types of hearing protectors;
- Selection, use, care and maintenance of
hearing protectors;
- Purpose of hearing tests and appropriate
procedures and requirements of such tests;
and
- Any other relevant topics.
Hazard identification of noisy areas/machines/
processes including posting of warning signs
displaying the typical noise levels and the
requirement of wearing hearing protectors
when working or entering the area. Warning
signs should be posted at all entrances or
at periphery of all areas of the workplace
identified to be noisy.
45

S/N
5

Implemented4
(Y/N)

Element of HCP
Provision
of
Equipment

Personal

Protective

Remarks

Yes

Supporting
documents

Yes

Supporting
documents

Workers working in the identified noisy

areas must be provided with hearing
protectors while long term controls are
being put in place. There should be an issue
and maintenance record.
Workers are instructed on the proper use,
care, maintenance and change of the
hearing protectors.

46

Annex C
Sample Noise Hazard Identification Checklist
Department :
Processes Involved

Conducted By

Employee Representative :
Date :
Checking Yes to any of the following items indicates a need for a detailed noise assessment.
Items to be checked
1. Is it difficult for the employees to carry out normal
conversation without raising their voices at the current
noise level?
2. Is there any feedback from the employees regarding the
difficulty of hearing warning shouts or alarms?
3. Do any of the employees involved in the work process
experience a reduction in hearing over the course of
their work? (The reduction in hearing can also occur
after work.)
4. Do any of the employees experience any of the
following conditions:
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears;
- Unequal hearing in one ear compared to the other
ear; or
- Muffled hearing?
5. Has the company made compensation claims to any
employees for NID?
6. Does any machine or equipment in the work area
contain manufacturers noise label that indicates that
noise levels generated by the machine or equipment
can exceed 85 dB(A)?
7. Do the records of the audiometric examinations show
that any past or present employees have suffered NID?
8. Does your workplace belong to a noisy industry, for
example, construction, woodworking, metal working,
canning, bottling, ship building or repairing?
9. Are there any noisy processes, for example, hammering,
punching, pressing, stamping, grinding, cutting, or usage
of pneumatic tools being carried out at the work area?
47

Yes

No

Remarks

Annex D
Sample Noise Control Plan

Item
Work
No. Location

Machine,
Equipment or
Process with
Excessive Noise

Name

Equivalent
Sound
Pressure
Level dB(A)

Proposed
Action
Control
Officer(s)
Measures

Designation

Signature

Target
Date of
Completion

Date

Noise Control
Officer
Employee
Representative
Management
Representative
Top Management
48

Annex E
Sample Hearing Conservation Programme Evaluation Checklist
Date of Evaluation:
Name of Evaluators

Designation

Signatures

Checking No to any of the following items indicates a need for corrective actions to be taken
to address the deficiencies.
1. Planning for Hearing Conservation Programme

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Is a programme administrator appointed for the

Hearing Conservation Programme (HCP)?
Does the programme administrator have the
relevant knowledge to coordinate all aspects of
the programme?
(Relevant knowledge includes: Understanding
of the individual elements of the HCP, relevant
provisions of the legislation, effects of noise on
hearing and the purpose of hearing protectors
and audiometric examinations.)
Elements of Hearing Conservation Programme
2. Identification of Noise Hazard
Has risk assessment been conducted and
documented for all noisy processes?
Is the risk assessment reviewed and revised
at least once every three years; and upon
occurrence of any bodily injury or significant
change in work practices or procedures?
Is the noise monitoring performed once every
three years or when there are changes in the
conditions which are likely to cause any persons
in the workplace to be exposed to excessive
noise (more than 85 dB(A) over eight hours)?
(For workplaces with 10 or more persons
exposed to excessive noise.)
Is the noise monitoring conducted by a
competent person?
Is the noise measuring equipment used for noise
monitoring calibrated before use?
49

 Is a copy of the noise monitoring report

submitted to the Ministry of Manpower, and
kept available for at least 10 years?
Are the contents of the report communicated to
all persons exposed to excessive noise not later
than 14 days after preparation of the report?
Is the latest noise monitoring result compared
with the previous report to determine if there is
any significant change in noise levels?
Have appropriate steps been taken to include
or exclude workers in the HCP whose exposures
have changed significantly?
3. Noise Control

Yes

No

Remarks

Are all practicable measures taken to reduce or

control noise from any machinery, equipment or
processes such that no employees are exposed
to excessive noise?
Is a competent person appointed to advise the
management on proper noise control measures?
(For workplaces with 50 or more persons
exposed to excessive noise.)
Are employees encouraged to participate in the
development of noise control measures?
Are noise emission levels considered during the
selection and procurement of new machines?
Is a noise control plan to reduce the excessive
noise through engineering controls established?
Is the noise control plan implemented?
Is the noise control plan reviewed at least once
every three years after noise monitoring is
conducted?
Are the noise control projects monitored to
ensure timely completion?
When the implementation of engineering
controls is not reasonably practical, are the
administrative controls implemented to reduce
employees exposure to excessive noise?
Is noise monitoring performed after noise
control to evaluate the residual risk?
Is a maintenance programme established to
ensure that all noise control systems or devices
remain effective and do not deteriorate over
time?

50

4. Hearing Protectors

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Are suitable hearing protectors provided to all

persons exposed to excessive noise?
Are procedures established and implemented to
ensure that:
- Hearing protectors are properly issued and
maintained;
- Persons exposed to excessive noise use
hearing protectors; and
- Such persons are instructed on the proper use
of hearing protectors?
Are employees provided with a range of
appropriate hearing protectors to allow them to
choose the ones which fit them comfortably?
Are the hearing protectors checked regularly
for wear and defects and replaced immediately
when necessary?
Are replacements for hearing protectors readily
available to employees who are using the
disposable hearing protectors?
Are warning signs indicating the use of hearing
protectors placed at all entrances to areas
where persons are or are likely to be exposed to
excessive noise?
Are regular inspections conducted to ensure
that employees wear hearing protectors
correctly and consistently in designated areas?
Is there an incentive or disincentive scheme in
place to encourage employees to put on hearing
protection?
5. Training and Education
Is a training programme implemented and
conducted every year for all persons exposed to
excessive noise?
Is training provided to all new employees within
three months of commencing work?

51

 Does the training programme include instructions

in:
- Relevant provisions of the WSH Act, WSH
(Risk Management) Regulation, WSH (Noise)
Regulations and WSH (Medical Examinations)
Regulations;
- Effects of noise on hearing;
- Purpose of hearing protectors and its proper
use and maintenance; and
- Purpose and procedure of audiometric
examinations?
Is the training content reviewed periodically?
Does the management demonstrate
commitment to HCP by personal example, such
as wearing hearing protectors in designated
areas and participating in the training
programme?
6. Audiometric Examinations

Yes

No

Remarks

Are all employees who are exposed to excessive

noise medically examined by a designated
workplace doctor and certified fit to work in the
occupation before commencement of work?
Are yearly audiometric examinations conducted
for all persons exposed to excessive noise?
Are the audiometric examinations performed by
competent persons who are properly trained?
Are records of audiometric examinations kept for
at least five years from the date of examination?
Are the audiometric examination results
evaluated to determine information such as
identification of high risk group, etc?
Are the results of the audiometric examinations
communicated to the employees?
Is counselling provided to employees who
show significant threshold shifts and are they
informed of the preventive measures they can
take to avoid further hearing loss?
Are follow up actions arising from the evaluation
of the audiometric results implemented and
documented?

52

7. Record Keeping

Yes

No

Remarks

Yes

No

Remarks

Are all records related to the HCP activities (such

as noise monitoring records, risk assessment
forms, training records, noise control plans,
documents on hearing protector issue and
fitting, audiometric related records, etc) properly
documented, maintained and available for
review?
8. Programme Evaluation
Is a thorough evaluation of the HCP conducted
on a periodic basis to determine the
effectiveness of the programme in preventing
noise-induced hearing loss?
Does the evaluation involve a team effort?
Are audiometric database analysis used to
evaluate the programmes overall effectiveness
in preventing noise-induced hearing loss?
Are employees encouraged to provide
feedback on the merits or shortcomings of the
programme and to offer suggestions on possible
improvements to the HCP?
Are appropriate steps taken to address the
deficiencies identified promptly?

53

11. Useful References

Workplace Safety and Health Act and Subsidiary Legislation
http://www.mom.gov.sg/legislation/occupational-safety-health/Pages/default.aspx

International Resources
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. Hearing Protectors
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html
Health and Safety Executive. Noise at Work
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/
Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S Department of Labor. Hearing
Conservation. 2002 (Revised)
http://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3074.pdf
Singapore Standards can be purchased from:
Toppan Leefung Pte. Ltd.
1 Kim Seng Promenade
#18-01 Great World City East Tower
Singapore 237994
Tel: (65) 6826 9600
Fax: (65) 6820 3341
General enquiries: [email protected]

12. Acknowledgements
This guideline was developed with inputs from Mr Tan Kia Tang, Dr Lucy Leong and
Mr Ng Zhihan from the Noise Induced Deafness Prevention Programme Team, Occupational
Safety and Health Division, Ministry of Manpower.
We also, acknowledge SPRING Singapore for allowing use of sections from the Singapore
Standard SS 549 : 2009 Code of practice for selection, use, care and maintenance of hearing
protectors.