Provides an overview and general requirements for the occupational noise management series of Standards.

This Standard provides an overview of the AS/NZS1269 series and general requirements on occupational noise management. The series deals with noise as it affects hearing, but does not deal with other effects of noise. It also provides an integrated approach to establishing, implementing and evaluating an occupational noise management program.The setting of occupational noise criteria is not within the scope of this series of Standards. Such criteria are set by regulations or organizational policy, not by Standards Australia or Standards New Zealand. Exposure standards may be found in the occupational health and safety or related regulations that are applicable for the workplace under assessment. Criteria lower than these exposure standards may be set by the organization’s noise policy. Noise constitutes only one of many relevant workplace issues which should be considered for assessment as a component of an occupational health and safety survey. The AS/NZS1269 series addresses the most relevant issues associated with occupational noise management. It does not deal with associated issues such as community noise and general environmental noise. Further advice on those issues should be sought from the Standards that deal with these issues.In undertaking an overall occupational health and safety survey, the program should be carefully planned to ensure that the need for assessment of all other pertinent occupational health and safety issues is considered.

First published in Australia as part of AS 1269-1976.Second edition 1979.Third edition 1983.Fourth edition 1989.Jointly revised and redesignated AS/NZS 1269.0:1998.Second edition 2005.Reconfirmed 2016. Originated in Australia as part of AS 1269-1976. Previous edition AS/NZS 1269.0:1998. Second edition 2005.