Updated 2 March 2023
There has been an amendment to the Audiometric Testing Exemption with an extension of the date until 31 Dec 2023.
SafeWork NSW has issued a further two year exemption for the audiometric testing requirements of clause 58(2) of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011. This exemption is granted until 31 December 2023.
During this time, we will be undertaking Public Consultation in regards to the clause and it will provide persons conducting a business or undertaking in NSW with an appropriate time frame to prepare for the implementation of audiometric testing of workers who are frequently required to use personal protective equipment (PPE) in workplaces with noise levels that exceed the 'exposure standard for noise'.
Note
From 1 January 2024, the NSW Government will commence Clause 58 “Audiometric testing” of the NSW WHS Regulation 2017.
This means that from that date a PCBU will be required to provide audiometric testing to any of their workers who are frequently required by them to use personal protective equipment (hearing protection) to protect the worker from the risk of hearing loss associated with noise that exceeds the exposure standard for noise.
Prior to 31 December 2023, SafeWork NSW will be developing and distributing a range of guidance material.
Watch a recording of a webinar on the new requirements for audiometric testing.
Exemption history
Prior to 2013, the WHS Regulation 2011 provided a two year transitional period where the requirements of clause 58(2) did not apply in NSW.
The exemption was first published on 20 December 2013 until 31 December 2014 in the NSW Government Gazette number 177, page 5855.
A one year extension until 31 December 2015 was granted in the NSW Government Gazette number 126, page 4707.
A one year extension until 31 December 2016 in the NSW Government Gazette number 106.
A one year extension until 31 December 2017 was granted in the NSW Government Gazette number 111, page 3528.
A one year extension until 31 December 2018 was granted in the NSW Government Gazette number 138, page 7830.
A two year extension until 31 December 2020 was granted in NSW Government Gazette number 144, pages 10161-10162.
A further one year extension until 31 December 2021 was granted in NSW Government Gazette number 372, page 4756.
Back to top