By Anton Pahoff
Effective 29 July 2025, Workcover QLD has set a deadline for audiometric testing requirements for all workers exposed to noisy workplaces.
New audiometric testing requirements effective 29 July 2025 | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au
From 29 July 2025, Queensland employers must provide audiometric testing for workers who need hearing protection due to noise levels exceeding the exposure standard.
These exposure levels are set to 85dBA over an eight-hour period, or a peak noise level of 140 dBA.
Employers who believe that the public might consider them to be noisy, should undertake an assessment of the noise levels in their workplaces.
Employers who are unsure, should err on the side of caution and undertake an assessment of noise levels. For an understanding of common noise sources and their typical levels click here.
If noise levels exceed identified exposure levels, then audiometric testing of workers must be conducted:
- within 3 months of a worker starting the relevant work
- at least every 2 years thereafter.
Important Notes:
- Workers already doing the relevant work must have their first test completed before 29 July 2027.
- Workers starting the relevant work on or after 29 July 2025 must have their first test completed before 29 October 2027.
- Audiometric testing should be conducted in accordance with the procedures outlined in Australian Standard 1269.4:2014 Occupational noise management – Auditory assessment.
Examples of the length of time a person without hearing protection can be exposed before the standard is exceeded are outlined in the table below
Equivalent Noise Exposures*
| Noise level dB(A) | Exposure time before standard is exceeded |
| 80 | 16 hours |
| 82 | 12 hours |
| 85 | 8 hours |
| 88 | 4 hours |
| 91 | 2 hours |
| 94 | 1 hour |
| 97 | 30 minutes |
| 100 | 15 minutes |
| 103 | 7.5 minutes |
| 106 | 3.8 minutes |
| 109 | 1.9 minutes |
| 112 | 57 seconds |
| 115 | 28.8 seconds |
| 118 | 14.4 seconds |
| 121 | 7.2 seconds |
| 124 | 3.6 seconds |
| 127 | 1.8 seconds |
| 130 | 0.9 seconds |
* Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice “Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work” (November 2024)
