What is AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 – Hearing Protector Program Standard
- • AS/NZS 1269.3:2005, better known as the Occupational Noise Management Hearing Protector Program.
- • AS/NZS 1269.3:2005, better known as the Occupational Noise Management Hearing Protector Program
- • AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 outlines the administrative and technical elements required to implement a comprehensive hearing protector program.
- • Implementing the required AS 1269.3 standard and creating a hearing protector programme can be achieved by focusing on a few practical steps.
Related Standards and References
Related standards to the AS/NZS 1269 Standards for Hearing Protector Program Standard
- AS/NZS 1269.0: Overview, Definitions and Terminology
- AS/NZS 1269.1: Measurement and Assessment of Noise Exposure
- AS/NZS 1269.2: Noise Control Management
- AS/NZS 1269.3: Hearing Protector Program (what this article covers)
- AS/NZS 1269.4: Auditory Assessment
What is AS/NZS 1269.3:2005
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005, better known as the Occupational Noise Management Hearing Protector Program, is a joint Australian and New Zealand Standard. It was created in 2005 and reconfirmed in 2016, making it the most current standard on occupational noise management.
It forms a core part of the AS/NZS 1269 series on occupational noise management. The series provides a comprehensive framework for preventing hearing loss in workplaces, which is important when employees are exposed to hazardous levels of noise.
The purpose of this part (AS/NZS 1269.3) is to establish the requirements for an effective hearing protector program. This includes the use, care and maintenance of personal hearing protectors. Combined with the other parts of the series, it helps organisations to abide by national noise regulations and protect the health of their workforce.
Understanding AS 1269 is essential to achieve compliance and can be purchased easily through your client via Intertek Inform. Simply search for ‘AS 1269’ and add it to your cart or contact the sales department on 131 242.
In this article, we cover why AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 matters, what it covers, how to apply or get the standard and how organisations can implement it in the workplace.
Why AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 Matters to Your Workplace
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 is important for any organisation or workers who real with high levels of occupational noise in their workplace.
As a result, understanding, implementing and getting the AS 1269 standard is a cornerstone for organisations to protect workers’ hearing. It is critical for controlling exposure risks, promoting safety and maintaining compliance with legislation.
This standard is essential for three key reasons:
- Controls Noise Hazards & Risks
Noise-related hearing loss is one of the most common hazards across workplaces in Australia and New Zealand. For example, Hearing Australia reported 11% of Australians reported they have suffered damage from workplace noise. Construction and other heavy industries, therefore, pose a greater risk, so it’s critical for organisations to identify these risks before they become harmful.
- Compliance & Legal Obligations
Ensuring a workplace complies with AS 1269 underpins hearing protector programs. It covers practical benefits for workers' safety, such as proper issue, fitting, education and monitoring of hearing protection devices and programs.
By adopting and understanding the correct standard version, it ensures legal, regulatory and safety obligations are met. Compliance with the latest standard also helps organisations to reduce compensation claims associated with hearing loss and helps to improve employee awareness.
- Safeguarding Workers & Supporting Productivity
A robust hearing protector program helps to safeguard employees’ well-being and improve overall health. Reducing the amount of workplace hearing injuries not only means fewer legal problems but also an improvement in productivity due to fewer accidents and healthier employees who can do their job with more confidence.
By following the standards guidelines, workers and employers can significantly reduce the likelihood of noise hazards, ensure WHS compliance, protect workers and boost long-term productivity.
Scope & Structure of AS/NZS 1269.3:2005
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 outlines the administrative and technical elements required to implement a comprehensive hearing protector program. Its structure consists of 10 important parts:
- Management Responsibility: Outlines organisational duties, such as program establishment, recordkeeping, and personnel responsibilities, to ensure effective implementation of hearing protection measures.
- Hearing Protectors: Describes the types of hearing protective equipment, such as earmuffs or earplugs and their suitability in different environments.
- Selection of Hearing Protectors: Provides clear criteria and framework for choosing appropriate hearing protectors.
- Issue and Fitting of Hearing Protectors: Details the requirements for the proper fitting and issuance of hearing protectors.
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Clear instructions on how to maintain protective equipment performance, such as inspection, cleaning and replacement schedules.
- Inspection for Defects: Explains common issues and risks with hearing protectors and how to spot faulty equipment.
- Hearing Protector Areas: Covers requirements for designated areas where hearing protection must be worn.
- Ensuring Continued Effectiveness of the Hearing Protector Program: Outlines ongoing evaluations and auditing practices to verify the ongoing correct application of hearing protectors and the AS 1268.3 standard.
- Training in the Use of Hearing Protectors: Explains why workers need protection and provides ongoing practical education on proper usage.
- Audiometry and the Purpose of Audiometric Test Results: Guidance on audiometric testing and interpreting results.
There are a few things this standard does not define, such as the permissible exposure levels themselves, which are covered in another standard (AS/NZS 1269.1).
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 is only a small section in the wider AS/NZS 1269 series (Parts 0-4). To help users understand which standard they need—see the full series below:
- AS/NZS 1269.0: Overview, Definitions and Terminology
- AS/NZS 1269.1: Measurement and Assessment of Noise Exposure
- AS/NZS 1269.2: Noise Control Management
- AS/NZS 1269.3: Hearing Protector Program (what this article covers)
- AS/NZS 1269.4: Auditory Assessment
Latest Edition & Status of the Standard
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 was first published in 2005 to create an aligned occupational noise standard across Australia and New Zealand. It was reconfirmed in 2016, meaning it remains the current edition in force.
Due to the evolving occupational safety regulations, organisations must verify they are using the latest confirmed version. Intertek Inform assures that every document supplied is the authentic licence and recognised version.
How to Implement AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 in Your Noise-Management Programme
Implementing the required AS 1269.3 standard and creating a hearing protector programme can be achieved by focusing on a few practical steps:
- Noise Measurement: Before starting, conduct a baseline noise survey in accordance with the first part of the series, AS.NZS 1269.1.
- Designate Clear Responsibilities: Create a clear set of responsibilities so individuals and managers can understand who is responsible for key areas in managing, auditing and fitting hearing protectors and the overall program.
- Hazard Identification & Choosing The Correct Protector: Identify and assess employees at risk of exposure. Once risks are understood, organisations can evaluate different protector types (such as earmuffs, earplugs, etc) based on sound level reduction. It is important to ensure compatibility with other personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Training & Fitting: Hold practical sessions on training on fitting, ongoing wear and explain how improper use can reduce protection. These should be done on a routine basis and be documented in clear standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Maintenance: Create a cleaning and replacement schedule, while also maintaining clear records of issued protectors.
- Regular Reviews: Set out a regular audit program that reviews its effectiveness and updates procedures at a set interval.
Version History and Evolution of AS/NZS 1269.3
AS 1269 dates back to a previous code called AS 1269-1976, called Hearing Conservation (known as the SAA hearing conservation code). The series has evolved over the years, with a new version (AS/NZS 1269.3:1998) immediately implemented.
The 1998 edition laid the groundwork for the version we use today by creating a unified framework. The 2005 edition (AS/NZS 1269.3:2005) introduced the joint Australia/New Zealand alignment and updated content for new developments and understanding in occupational hearing, such as administrative responsibilities, selection, use and maintenance of hearing protectors and extensive training requirements.
In 2016, the standard underwent a reconfirmation process by Standards Australia/Standards New Zealand to ensure the technical and safety content remained relevant. This means AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 is the most authoritative edition available.
Employers and users need to have the latest confirmed version and keep updated, or be alert for any amendments to the best practices or new versions that could arise in the future.
Purchase & Access Options for AS/NZS 1269.3:2005:
The latest official edition of AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 (Occupational Noise Management: Hearing Protector Program) is available directly from Intertek Inform.
Intertek Inform is a trusted source for official standards and technical publications across many industries. It is an authorised distributor of Australian and international standards.
Pricing for AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 starts at $125 for a single-user PDF, with a hard copy starting at $138.90. Prices change depending on the number of users, with higher savings for multi-user PDFs.
Customers can choose from several formats, such as Digital PDF, which can be a single or multi-user licence or a printed hard copy that is professionally bound, shipped and tracked.
By using Intertek Inform, it ensures each version is verified and authentic, providing users with access to future updates or amendments when released. It also ensures compliance with copyright and usage rights to provide a trustworthy source, correct version tracking and immediate delivery to avoid outdated copies and get you compliant straight away.
Why Compliance Matters – Benefits for Builders, Engineers & Specifiers
Compliance with AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 supports safer and more supportive workplaces. Getting up to code means legal compliance, smoother building inspections and risk mitigation.
Importantly, it provides many benefits that help reduce defects, lead to fewer workplace accidents or claims, help meet insurance requirements and create a more efficient workplace by specifying correct hearing protection.
Not yet compliant? The latest edition is available for purchase at Intertek Inform.
Why Choose Intertek Inform for Your Standards?
Intertek Inform is a trusted source for official standards and technical publications across many industries.
When you purchase AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 through Intertek Inform, users will benefit from:
- Genuine Standards: A trusted and authentic copy direct from Standards Australia
- Immediate Access: Instant PDF downloads with verified licensing
- Multiple Formats: Choose from PDFs, hard copies, or discounted bundles.
- Expert Support: Access to Intertek’s global network of quality and compliance specialists who help you stay compliant
Intertek Inform provides reliable, genuine and updated access to the important standards to get you and your employees safe and compliant.
Shop the AS 1269 Collection now at Intertek Inform.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) — AS 1269 Standard
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 covers administrative responsibilities and procedures for implementing a hearing and protection program. Specifically, it covers the selection, use, maintenance and training to prevent occupational hearing loss and protect employees.
AS/NZS 1269.3:2005 is the third part of a comprehensive five-part series for occupational noise management. Each part addresses a key aspect:
- Part Zero: A general overview
- Part One: Noise measurement and assessment
- Part Two: Noise control methods
- Part Three: Hearing protector program (this part)
- Part Four: Auditory assessment procedures
While other parts address specific noise measurements, assessments, or health protocols, part three focuses more specifically on hearing protection management.
It can be purchased directly through Intertek Inform in a variety of formats, such as PDF, multi-user or hard copy format.
Any workplace where employees are exposed to potentially hazardous noise levels above legal limits. This includes workplaces such as construction, mining, manufacturing, engineering or other heavy industry.
The 2005 edition was reconfirmed in 2016 and remains the most current official version.
It can be purchased directly through Intertek Inform in a variety of formats, such as PDF, multi-user or hard copy format.
Employers must identify noise hazards, assess risks, measure exposure, select appropriate hearing protectors, train staff, maintain equipment for proper use and regularly review their program performance.