Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
23/07/2026 1:57 AM AWST
23/07/2026 1:57 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Coordinate noise management activities
Coordinate noise management activities
Unit of competency
National Code
MSS027008A
MSS027008A
State Code
D7719
D7719
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
12/06/2014
Field of Education
080315 - Project Management
Original Release Date
12/06/2014
Nominal Hours
35
Description
This unit of competency covers the ability to oversee the day-to-day noise management activities for a site, project or ongoing program. Personnel are required to interpret and implement a noise monitoring plan, organise specified monitoring activities, verify the quality of monitoring data and investigate and rectify unexpected or unacceptable results, monitor compliance with relevant noise standards/limits, and provide reports. They work under the supervision of an environmental scientist or engineer, site manager or enterprise environmental manager.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 Confirm scope of noise management activities with supervisor
- 1.1 Review legislative, regulatory and licensing requirements and approvals that apply to site/project/program
- 1.2 Review current noise monitoring plan, including objectives, known issues, specified management activities and any required changes
- 1.3 Review previous noise monitoring records and reports, if available
- 1.4 Confirm that noise monitoring sites, sampling and measurement methods, instrumentation and enterprise procedures are in accordance with relevant standards and guidelines
- 1.5 Clarify own scope of responsibility/authority for achieving specific outcomes and the roles of other key personnel
- 1.6 Identify resources available to conduct noise management activities
2 Organise noise management activities
- 2.1 Develop a consolidated schedule to ensure all activities can be conducted efficiently with the available resources
- 2.2 Develop checklists/clear work instructions to enable personnel to perform assigned tasks efficiently and with minimal errors
- 2.3 Ensure that personnel who conduct monitoring are competent to undertake their assigned tasks
- 2.4 Ensure noise monitoring equipment is regularly calibrated and maintained and that adequate stocks of consumables are available
- 2.5 Conduct, or arrange for, regular site inspections to monitor the effectiveness of noise control/reduction actions (if relevant to site/project/program)
- 2.6 Advise relevant personnel when specified noise control/reduction actions are not being implemented effectively (if relevant to site/project/program)
- 2.7 Conduct, or arrange for, additional monitoring/inspections after atypical events, legitimate complaints or government requests
3 Verify noise data
- 3.1 Identify relevant job instructions, data and technical records in enterprise information management system
- 3.2 Confirm that technical records provide sufficient information to ensure traceability for the monitoring activities involved
- 3.3 Compare monitoring data with expected values and identify any outliers
- 3.4 Inspect data records to identify any gaps and to check the integrity of data entry, transfers, alterations and calculations
- 3.5 Notify manager when data is incomplete, or contains significant errors, and clarify what action to take
4 Determine if results are acceptable and within expectation
- 4.1 Compare results with expected values, relevant standards and/or statutory limits and identify any significant differences or trends
- 4.2 Check the reliability of results by examining data/results from repeat measurements or other monitoring sites
- 4.3 Assess the significance of any documented observations of atypical environmental or meteorological conditions
- 4.4 Check that all adjusted data and calculations are free from error
- 4.5 Check that estimations of uncertainty are reasonable and consistent with the relevant standard, if relevant
- 4.6 Report results that meet enterprise data quality standards and are consistent with expectations
5 Investigate/rectify unexpected or unacceptable results
- 5.1 Examine records of pre-use checks and calibration performance to ensure that the monitoring instruments used meet specifications and enterprise requirements
- 5.2 Establish whether human, environmental and/or meteorological factors could have affected the reliability of results
- 5.3 Check for obvious errors in measurement positions and/or techniques
- 5.4 Report unexpected results that meet enterprise data quality standards
- 5.5 Identify possible root causes of unacceptable results and appropriate preventative/corrective actions
- 5.6 Report investigation outcomes and recommendations for improvements in accordance with enterprise procedures
- 5.7 Seek manager’s advice when challenges are beyond own technical competence or when input from environmental specialists may be required
6 Keep management informed about noise performance
- 6.1 Provide regular reports about noise performance including instances of potential/actual non-conformance and incidents and the actions taken in each case
- 6.2 Report opportunities and recommendations for improvements in noise monitoring or management in accordance with enterprise procedures
7 Maintain noise records
- 7.1 Ensure all noise records are legible, accurate and satisfy enterprise/legislative requirements
- 7.2 Store noise records to enable easy access and review by authorised personnel in accordance with enterprise procedures
- 7.3 Regularly review noise records to identify any significant trends and impacts
- 7.4 Identify any problems with the maintenance and security of noise records and resolve them promptly
Codes of practice
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
federal legislation, such as:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:
land use, acquisition, planning and protection
environmental protection
occupational health and safety (OHS)
Australian and international standards, such as:
AS 1055.1:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise -General procedures
AS 1055.2:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise - Application to specific situations
AS 1055.3:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise -Acquisition of data pertinent to land use
AS IEC 61672.1:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Specifications
AS IEC 61672.2 Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Pattern evaluation tests
AS IEC 60942:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound calibration
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) or government departmental guidelines and manuals, such as:
Noise Measurement Manual (QLD EPA)
A Guide to Measurement and Analysis of Noise (VIC EPA)
Noise Guide for Local Government (NSW)
equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks
government policy (e.g. sustainable development and impact assessment)
OHS national standards and codes of practice
site specific requirements
specific environmental standards
Noise management activities
Noise management activities may include:
assessing compliance with a statutory condition, such as a licence
investigation of a noise complaint
noise impact assessment studies
long-term monitoring programs
occupational hygiene monitoring
noise surveys
assessing effectiveness of noise control devices and reduction measures
Principles and concepts associated with noise measurement
Principles and concepts associated with noise measurement may include:
noise terminology:
sound and noise,
frequency, pitch and wavelength
sound power and acoustic energy
sound pressure and sound pressure level
sound intensity
noise measurement units (dBA and others)
frequency weighting curves
adding and subtracting sound levels
physiology of hearing
perception of noise (e.g. ‘offensive’ and ‘intrusive’ noise)
sources of noise
typical noise levels
types of noise:
continuous
intermittent
impulsive
point sources and line sources
Noise measurements and surveys
Noise measurements and surveys may include:
techniques for conducting sound and noise level measurements, such as:
sound power and sound pressure level measurements
frequency analysis and weighting networks (including at least A and Lin)
techniques for measuring different noise types, including steady noise, discretely varying noise, impulsive noise, industrial, road, traffic, rail traffic and air traffic
background noise level (LA90)
day and night sound levels (LDN)
measuring noise exposure, including equivalent continuous sound level (Leq)
time weighted exposure measurement (LAeqT)
common errors in sound level measurement, including mishandling of equipment, wind, humidity, temperature, reflected and absorbed sound and background noise
effects of meteorological conditions on noise
effects of topography and built structures on noise
data processing techniques, such as:
calculation of combined sound levels using graphical and mathematical equation techniques
background noise calculations
statistical analysis, including LAeq, LA10, LA50, and LA90
characterisation of noise by octave band analysis
calculation of individual noise exposure
noise mapping
noise rating curves
sound attenuation with distance and mathematical calculation of associated quantities
using a wide range of instruments, instrument functions and displays, such as:
sampling rate
optimum level range, sensitivity and self-generated noise
measurement time intervals, integration and averaging
response rates for sound meters, including fast, slow, impulse and peak
hold features
overload and under-range indications
threshold levels
data transfer and interfacing
calibration and reference checks of sound level meters, including both electrical and acoustic
Noise monitoring instruments and ancillary equipment
Noise monitoring instruments and ancillary equipment may include:
type 1 and type 2 portable sound level meters
integrating and non-integrating sound level meters
noise dose meters
sound level calibrators
octave analysers
statistical analysers, data loggers and recorders
telemetry equipment
sound monitoring stations
microphones
wind shields
Additional resources and equipment
Additional resources and equipment may include:
meteorological instruments, such as:
thermometers
hygrometers
barometers
anemometers
digital cameras
global positioning system (GPS) equipment
site plans, maps and aerial photographs
noise measurement and survey forms
personal protective equipment
Meteorological measurements
Meteorological measurements may include:
temperature
relative humidity
barometric pressure
wind speed and direction
Noise control/reduction actions
Noise control/reduction actions will vary greatly with the type of site and industrial processes involved and may include:
(re)design of work practices to minimise noise emissions, such as:
increase distance between noise generator and sensitive receiver
re-orient equipment to direct noise away from sensitive area
schedule operations so that noisy equipment is used separately rather than concurrently
use ‘quiet’ work practices (e.g. requiring trucks to turn off rather than idling for long periods)
substitute noisy equipment for quieter equipment (e.g. improved fan design, vibrating pile drivers and hydraulic crushers)
install specific noise reduction devices, such as equipment silencers and mufflers, noise barriers and enclosures, and installation of sound insulation
consult with nearby receivers, especially if ‘one-off’ or rare noise generating activities are to be conducted outside standard hours
OHS and environmental management requirements
OHS and environmental management requirements:
all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time
all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of field work and require standard precautions to be applied
where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health
Where reference is made to industry codes of practice, and/or Australian/international standards, it is expected the latest version will be used
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements
Legislation, standards, codes, procedures and/or enterprise requirements may include:
federal legislation, such as:
Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
state/territory government legislation and regulations and local government by-laws, policies, and plans dealing with:
land use, acquisition, planning and protection
environmental protection
occupational health and safety (OHS)
Australian and international standards, such as:
AS 1055.1:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise -General procedures
AS 1055.2:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise - Application to specific situations
AS 1055.3:1997 Acoustics - Description and measurement of environmental noise -Acquisition of data pertinent to land use
AS IEC 61672.1:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Specifications
AS IEC 61672.2 Electroacoustics - Sound level meters - Pattern evaluation tests
AS IEC 60942:2004 Electroacoustics - Sound calibration
Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) or government departmental guidelines and manuals, such as:
Noise Measurement Manual (QLD EPA)
A Guide to Measurement and Analysis of Noise (VIC EPA)
Noise Guide for Local Government (NSW)
equipment manuals and warranties, supplier catalogue and handbooks
government policy (e.g. sustainable development and impact assessment)
OHS national standards and codes of practice
site specific requirements
specific environmental standards
Noise management activities
Noise management activities may include:
assessing compliance with a statutory condition, such as a licence
investigation of a noise complaint
noise impact assessment studies
long-term monitoring programs
occupational hygiene monitoring
noise surveys
assessing effectiveness of noise control devices and reduction measures
Principles and concepts associated with noise measurement
Principles and concepts associated with noise measurement may include:
noise terminology:
sound and noise,
frequency, pitch and wavelength
sound power and acoustic energy
sound pressure and sound pressure level
sound intensity
noise measurement units (dBA and others)
frequency weighting curves
adding and subtracting sound levels
physiology of hearing
perception of noise (e.g. ‘offensive’ and ‘intrusive’ noise)
sources of noise
typical noise levels
types of noise:
continuous
intermittent
impulsive
point sources and line sources
Noise measurements and surveys
Noise measurements and surveys may include:
techniques for conducting sound and noise level measurements, such as:
sound power and sound pressure level measurements
frequency analysis and weighting networks (including at least A and Lin)
techniques for measuring different noise types, including steady noise, discretely varying noise, impulsive noise, industrial, road, traffic, rail traffic and air traffic
background noise level (LA90)
day and night sound levels (LDN)
measuring noise exposure, including equivalent continuous sound level (Leq)
time weighted exposure measurement (LAeqT)
common errors in sound level measurement, including mishandling of equipment, wind, humidity, temperature, reflected and absorbed sound and background noise
effects of meteorological conditions on noise
effects of topography and built structures on noise
data processing techniques, such as:
calculation of combined sound levels using graphical and mathematical equation techniques
background noise calculations
statistical analysis, including LAeq, LA10, LA50, and LA90
characterisation of noise by octave band analysis
calculation of individual noise exposure
noise mapping
noise rating curves
sound attenuation with distance and mathematical calculation of associated quantities
using a wide range of instruments, instrument functions and displays, such as:
sampling rate
optimum level range, sensitivity and self-generated noise
measurement time intervals, integration and averaging
response rates for sound meters, including fast, slow, impulse and peak
hold features
overload and under-range indications
threshold levels
data transfer and interfacing
calibration and reference checks of sound level meters, including both electrical and acoustic
Noise monitoring instruments and ancillary equipment
Noise monitoring instruments and ancillary equipment may include:
type 1 and type 2 portable sound level meters
integrating and non-integrating sound level meters
noise dose meters
sound level calibrators
octave analysers
statistical analysers, data loggers and recorders
telemetry equipment
sound monitoring stations
microphones
wind shields
Additional resources and equipment
Additional resources and equipment may include:
meteorological instruments, such as:
thermometers
hygrometers
barometers
anemometers
digital cameras
global positioning system (GPS) equipment
site plans, maps and aerial photographs
noise measurement and survey forms
personal protective equipment
Meteorological measurements
Meteorological measurements may include:
temperature
relative humidity
barometric pressure
wind speed and direction
Noise control/reduction actions
Noise control/reduction actions will vary greatly with the type of site and industrial processes involved and may include:
(re)design of work practices to minimise noise emissions, such as:
increase distance between noise generator and sensitive receiver
re-orient equipment to direct noise away from sensitive area
schedule operations so that noisy equipment is used separately rather than concurrently
use ‘quiet’ work practices (e.g. requiring trucks to turn off rather than idling for long periods)
substitute noisy equipment for quieter equipment (e.g. improved fan design, vibrating pile drivers and hydraulic crushers)
install specific noise reduction devices, such as equipment silencers and mufflers, noise barriers and enclosures, and installation of sound insulation
consult with nearby receivers, especially if ‘one-off’ or rare noise generating activities are to be conducted outside standard hours
OHS and environmental management requirements
OHS and environmental management requirements:
all operations must comply with enterprise OHS and environmental management requirements, which may be imposed through state/territory or federal legislation - these requirements must not be compromised at any time
all operations assume the potentially hazardous nature of field work and require standard precautions to be applied
where relevant, users should access and apply current industry understanding of infection control issued by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and State and Territory Departments of Health
Overview of assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
planning and implementing the day-to-day noise management activities for a site, project or ongoing program
explaining noise monitoring plans, monitoring methods operation of monitoring instruments and noise control/reduction strategies clearly and accurately
verifying the accuracy and completeness of noise data, results and technical records
investigating unexpected or unacceptable noise results in a logical and efficient manner
reporting noise results, performance and opportunities for improvements in accordance with enterprise procedures
maintaining noise records in accordance with legislative/licensing/enterprise requirements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSS027011A Select, commission and maintain environmental monitoring instruments.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Resources may include:
site/project/program history
relevant legislation, codes, standards, enterprise environmental management policies, plans, actions, procedures, checklists and equipment manuals
noise data sets, records and reports, and noise control/reduction strategies
monitoring methods and description of monitoring set-up, access to monitoring instruments
computer and relevant software or enterprise information management system.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
review of noise data files, results and records verified by the candidate
feedback from managers and site personnel regarding the candidate’s ability to safely coordinate day-to-day noise monitoring activities
review of reports and recommended improvements to noise monitoring or noise control/reduction prepared by the candidate
questions to assess understanding of procedures governing the validation of data; acceptability of data/results; sources of noise data variability, interferences and uncertainty; and relevant preventative or corrective actions
analysis of case studies/reports of relevant noise management issues and incidents
observation of the candidate providing information and/or instruction to other personnel about noise monitoring and/or control and reduction strategies.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
Competency must be demonstrated in the ability to perform consistently at the required standard.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
planning and implementing the day-to-day noise management activities for a site, project or ongoing program
explaining noise monitoring plans, monitoring methods operation of monitoring instruments and noise control/reduction strategies clearly and accurately
verifying the accuracy and completeness of noise data, results and technical records
investigating unexpected or unacceptable noise results in a logical and efficient manner
reporting noise results, performance and opportunities for improvements in accordance with enterprise procedures
maintaining noise records in accordance with legislative/licensing/enterprise requirements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated workplace environment.
Assessment should emphasise a workplace context and procedures found in the candidate’s workplace.
This unit of competency may be assessed with:
MSS027011A Select, commission and maintain environmental monitoring instruments.
The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team.
Resources may include:
site/project/program history
relevant legislation, codes, standards, enterprise environmental management policies, plans, actions, procedures, checklists and equipment manuals
noise data sets, records and reports, and noise control/reduction strategies
monitoring methods and description of monitoring set-up, access to monitoring instruments
computer and relevant software or enterprise information management system.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
review of noise data files, results and records verified by the candidate
feedback from managers and site personnel regarding the candidate’s ability to safely coordinate day-to-day noise monitoring activities
review of reports and recommended improvements to noise monitoring or noise control/reduction prepared by the candidate
questions to assess understanding of procedures governing the validation of data; acceptability of data/results; sources of noise data variability, interferences and uncertainty; and relevant preventative or corrective actions
analysis of case studies/reports of relevant noise management issues and incidents
observation of the candidate providing information and/or instruction to other personnel about noise monitoring and/or control and reduction strategies.
In all cases, practical assessment should be supported by questions to assess underpinning knowledge and those aspects of competency which are difficult to assess directly.
Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability.
The language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required to undertake the unit of competency in a work-like environment.
Guidance information for assessment
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| BAK60 | MSS027008 | Coordinate noise management activities | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D549 | MSS70211 | Graduate Certificate In Environmental Management | Qualification |