Workplace Noise Monitoring in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne
Protect your workforce and comply with New Zealand’s health and safety laws through professional workplace noise monitoring. WorkAble delivers on-site noise surveys and exposure assessments across Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne. Using sound level meters and personal dosimeters, our qualified team measures noise exposure accurately, helping you manage risks and prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Why Workplace Noise Monitoring Matters
Occupational noise is one of the most common hazards in the workplace. Prolonged exposure to noise above 85 dB(A) during an eight-hour shift, or 140 dB peak, can lead to permanent hearing damage.
Regular noise monitoring allows you to:
- Identify high-exposure areas that require control measures
- Determine if engineering solutions or hearing protection are necessary
- Stay compliant with WorkSafe New Zealand guidelines and hearing conservation requirements
Our Noise Survey Methods
We offer two key approaches to assess workplace noise exposure:
- Spot Measurements using sound level meters to assess specific areas
- Personal Dosimetry where a small noise meter is worn during shifts for accurate, individual exposure data
Spot checks reveal high-noise zones, while dosimetry captures real worker exposure. Using both methods together provides a complete picture of noise risks in your workplace.
Local Compliance and Frequency of Monitoring
Under New Zealand’s workplace noise regulations, employers must ensure no worker is exposed to more than 85 dB(A) averaged over an eight-hour shift, or a peak of 140 dB. Assessments should follow the AS/NZS 1269 standard.
Noise surveys should be repeated at least every five years, or sooner if there are changes in machinery, processes, or workplace layout that could alter noise levels. Employers should also incorporate findings into a hearing conservation programme, including training, protective equipment, and maintaining exposure records.
On-Site Noise Monitoring Across Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne
Our mobile team brings professional noise monitoring services to your site in Napier, Hastings, Gisborne City, Wairoa, and surrounding towns. We use calibrated equipment to deliver precise measurements with minimal disruption to operations.
From initial assessments to detailed reporting, we provide you with the information needed to make informed safety decisions and protect your workforce from the risks of excessive noise.
Frequently Asked Questions – Workplace Noise Monitoring
What is a workplace noise survey?
A workplace noise survey measures sound levels in specific areas or for individual workers to assess whether noise exposure exceeds safe limits.
What are the legal noise limits in New Zealand?
Workers must not be exposed to more than 85 dB(A) averaged over an eight-hour shift or a peak of 140 dB, regardless of hearing protection.
How often should noise monitoring be conducted?
Noise surveys should be carried out at least every five years, or sooner if there are significant changes in the work environment that could affect noise levels.
What equipment is used for noise monitoring?
Sound level meters are used for spot checks, while personal noise dosimeters measure actual exposure over a work shift.
What happens if noise levels exceed legal limits?
We can recommend engineering controls, administrative changes, or suitable hearing protection to reduce exposure as part of a workplace hearing conservation programme.