Noise audits – a tool used for the evaluation of WestAustralian mining industry compliance with the legislativerequirements for noise control

摘要

The West Australian mining legislation provides a comprehensive basis for noiserncontrol in mines located throughout the State.rnThe regulatory authority such as the Department of Industry and Resources has introduced anrnauditing system as a tool for evaluation of industry compliance with the obligations contained in thernlegislative framework.rnAuditing is a comprehensive and proactive examination of all aspects of an organization’s safetyrnperformance.rnThe Department has undertaken to conduct broad-based management safety systems audits, whichrnare supported by a series of more detailed sub-audits such as noise audits.rnSince 1996, a large number of noise audits were conducted in a variety of mining operationsrnranging from small granite extraction quarries to large iron ore mines.rnThe paper describes the scope of noise audits adopted by the Department and outlines findings fromrn23 audits.rnThe audits were conducted in operations employing a total of 8567 employees representing 20% ofrnthe West Australian mining industry workforce.