The obligation
To work safely, workers must be able to hear warning signals above any other noise (ambient noise) at the workplace.
For reversing alarms on mobile plant, guidance in ISO 9533:2010 should be followed, which recommends the alarm be at least as loud at reception points as the engine under high idle. In other situations, warning signals should be at least 65 dB(A) and more than 15 dB(A) above the ambient noise level at any position in the signal reception area. More detailed guidance on the audibility of warning signals is in ISO 7731:2003.
- What
- To work safely, workers must be able to hear warning signals above any other noise (ambient noise) at the workplace.
- Source
- safework.sa.gov.au
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Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Hearing warning signals in ambient noise is a WHS requirement set out in Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work (SA). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA). The relevant provision is Code of Practice — Working safely in ambient noise.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Hearing warning signals in ambient noise is a WHS obligation under Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work (SA). In short, To work safely, workers must be able to hear warning signals above any other noise (ambient noise) at the workplace.
What changed recently?
Hearing warning signals in ambient noise was last updated on 9 October 2026.
