Operations involving high noise levels

A dangerous operation declared under Section 87 of the Factories Act 1948 — Rule 114(1) item 24 · Schedule XXIV.

Medical surveillance (statutory)

Sch XXIV: where sound levels exceed permissible limits, a hearing-conservation programme with pre-employment and periodical auditory surveys is required. Each exposed worker given an audiometric exam by a Certifying Surgeon within 14 days of first employment and re-examined at least once in every 12 months; thresholds at 125, 250, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000 Hz. No specific Form number stated.

Hazard & health effects

Agent: Continuous/impulse noise at or above the permissible level (≥ 90 dB(A) per the schedule's table)

Health effects: Noise-induced (sensorineural) hearing loss; tinnitus; communication interference.

Controls & PPE

Engineering controls: Engineering noise reduction at source; enclosure/isolation; administrative exposure limits; hearing-conservation programme; baseline + periodic audiometry.

PPE: Hearing protectors (ear-muffs/plugs) selected to the exposure level.

This page is a statutory / occupational-health reference for factory Occupational Health Centres. It is not medical or legal advice. Verify against the current bare Act, Rules and your State amendments before acting.