Noise Monitoring & Hearing Conservation Malaysia: DOSH Requirements, NRA & Compliance Guide

Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most reported occupational diseases in Malaysia. It's also one of the most preventable. The Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 replaced the old 1989 regulations with stricter limits, lower action levels, and a 3 dB exchange rate that doubles your compliance obligations compared to the previous framework.

This guide covers everything employers need to know: the new noise exposure limits, when a Noise Risk Assessment is required, how to set up a Hearing Conservation Program, and what records you must keep for up to 30 years.

This guide covers:

• Malaysia's noise exposure limits and action levels
• When and how to conduct a Noise Risk Assessment (NRA)
• Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) requirements
• Audiometric testing schedules and standards
• Noise Risk Assessor registration requirements
• Record keeping obligations (up to 30 years)
• Penalties for non-compliance
• Connection to workmen compensation claims

Disclaimer: This article provides general guidance based on the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 and the Industry Code of Practice for Management of Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing Conservation 2019 as of February 2026. Regulations may be amended. Always verify current requirements with DOSH or qualified professionals before making compliance decisions.

Malaysia's Noise Exposure Regulatory Framework

The Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 took effect on 1 June 2019. It superseded the Factories and Machinery (Noise Exposure) Regulations 1989 and brought Malaysia's noise standards closer to international best practice. The accompanying Industry Code of Practice (ICOP) for Management of Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing Conservation 2019 provides detailed implementation guidance.

Aspect	Old Regulations (1989)	Current Regulations (2019)
Parent Act	Factories and Machinery Act 1967	Occupational Safety and Health Act 1994
Noise Exposure Limit (NEL)	90 dB(A) over 8 hours	85 dB(A) over 8 hours
Action Level	85 dB(A)	82 dB(A)
Maximum Exposure	115 dB(A)	115 dB(A)
Peak Noise	Not specified	140 dB(C)
Exchange Rate	5 dB	3 dB
Coverage	Factories only	All workplaces under OSHA 1994

The shift from a 5 dB to a 3 dB exchange rate is the single biggest change. Under the old rules, noise had to double before halving the permitted exposure time. Under the 3 dB rule, every 3 dB increase halves your allowable exposure. This means more workers fall above the limit and more facilities need formal noise management.

Noise Exposure Limits and Permissible Duration

The regulations set three critical noise thresholds. Understanding these determines what actions you must take.

Threshold	Level	Required Action
Action Level	82 dB(A) Leq 8hr	Conduct NRA, provide hearing protectors, implement hearing conservation program
Noise Exposure Limit (NEL)	85 dB(A) Leq 8hr	All action level requirements plus engineering/administrative controls mandatory
Maximum Exposure	115 dB(A)	No worker shall be exposed at any time without hearing protection
Peak Noise	140 dB(C)	Absolute ceiling; no exposure permitted

Permissible Exposure Duration (3 dB Exchange Rate)

Noise Level dB(A)	Maximum Permissible Duration	Common Noise Source Example
82	16 hours (action level triggered)	Busy factory floor, power tools at distance
85	8 hours	Heavy traffic, typical manufacturing
88	4 hours	Grinding, milling machines
91	2 hours	Pneumatic drill, heavy pressing
94	1 hour	Metal stamping, impact machinery
97	30 minutes	Chipping hammer, riveting
100	15 minutes	Chainsaw, jack hammer
103	7.5 minutes	Jet engine at distance
106	3.75 minutes	Extremely loud machinery
115	Maximum: no exposure without hearing protection	Emergency sirens, blasting

When Is a Noise Risk Assessment (NRA) Required?

You must conduct a Noise Risk Assessment when there's reason to believe any employee is exposed to noise at or above the action level of 82 dB(A). The ICOP provides a preliminary noise identification checklist to help you determine if an NRA is needed.

Step-by-Step NRA Process

Step	Action	Details
1	Preliminary noise identification	Use ICOP Appendix 1 checklist to identify areas with potential excessive noise
2	Appoint registered Noise Risk Assessor	Must be registered with DOSH; conduct NRA within 1 month of identification
3	Area noise survey	Sound level meter readings at various locations to map noise levels across the facility
4	Personal noise monitoring	Dosimetry for workers in identified high-noise areas to determine individual Leq 8hr
5	Analysis and reporting	Compare results to NEL and action level; identify workers requiring HCP
6	Recommendations	Engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE, signage, HCP enrolment
7	Implementation	Employer must implement recommendations within 30 days of receiving the NRA report

The 30-day implementation deadline is critical. Once you receive the NRA report, you have one month to act on its recommendations. DOSH can request to see both the report and evidence of implementation during inspections.

NRA Reassessment Schedule

Trigger	Reassessment Requirement
Routine	Every 5 years from last assessment
New machinery or process installed	Within 1 month of change
Change in work patterns or shift schedules	Within 1 month of change
Significant modification to building layout	Within 1 month of change
Audiometric results show hearing deterioration trends	As soon as practicable

Noise Risk Assessor: Who Can Conduct an NRA?

Only a DOSH-registered Noise Risk Assessor can conduct a valid NRA. Using an unregistered person means your assessment has no legal standing and won't satisfy DOSH during an inspection.

Requirement	Details
Registration	Must be registered with DOSH as a Noise Risk Assessor
Qualifications	Relevant training in occupational noise measurement, instrumentation, and risk assessment
Equipment	Calibrated sound level meters and personal noise dosimeters meeting applicable standards
Report format	Must follow ICOP format including noise maps, individual exposure data, and control recommendations

Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) Requirements

If any employee is exposed to noise at or above the action level of 82 dB(A), you must implement a Hearing Conservation Program. The HCP is not a one-off exercise. It's an ongoing programme that requires annual audiometric testing, training, and continuous monitoring.

HCP Component	Requirements	Frequency
Noise Risk Assessment	By registered NRA, covering area survey and personal monitoring	Every 5 years or upon workplace changes
Engineering controls	Sound barriers, enclosures, vibration isolation, quieter machinery	Implemented as feasible; reviewed annually
Administrative controls	Job rotation, scheduling noisy operations during low-occupancy periods	Ongoing
Personal Hearing Protectors (PHP)	Provide appropriate ear plugs/muffs; ensure proper fit and use	Continuous for all exposed workers
Baseline audiometric test	Before noise exposure begins or within 3 months of starting work	Once per employee
Annual audiometric test	Monitor hearing thresholds, compare to baseline, detect early changes	Annually
Warning signage	Post noise hazard signs and mandatory hearing protection signs in high-noise areas	Permanent; updated if noise zones change
Employee training	Noise health effects, proper use of hearing protection, reporting hearing problems	Annual refresher training

Hierarchy of Noise Controls

The regulations follow the standard hierarchy of controls. Engineering controls come first, administrative controls second, and PPE last. You can't rely solely on ear plugs if engineering solutions are feasible.

Control Level	Examples	Effectiveness
Elimination	Replace noisy process with quiet alternative	Highest; removes hazard entirely
Substitution	Replace old machinery with quieter models, use dampened tools	High; reduces source noise
Engineering controls	Sound enclosures, vibration isolation mounts, acoustic barriers, silencers on exhausts	High; 5-20 dB reduction typical
Administrative controls	Job rotation, shift scheduling, maintenance programmes, limited access zones	Moderate; reduces exposure time
PPE (hearing protectors)	Ear plugs (NRR 15-33 dB), ear muffs (NRR 20-30 dB), dual protection	Last resort; effectiveness depends on proper fit and compliance

Audiometric Testing Requirements

Audiometric testing is the backbone of any hearing conservation programme. It's how you detect early hearing loss before it becomes permanent and irreversible. The regulations prescribe specific testing schedules and standards.

Test Type	When Required	Purpose
Baseline audiogram	Before noise exposure or within 3 months of starting work in noisy area	Establish reference hearing thresholds
Annual audiogram	Yearly for all workers enrolled in HCP	Detect threshold shifts, compare to baseline
Confirmation audiogram	When annual test shows significant threshold shift	Verify if shift is permanent or temporary
Exit audiogram	When worker leaves employment or transfers out of noisy area	Document hearing status at separation for future claims

A Standard Threshold Shift (STS) is defined as an average shift of 10 dB or more at 2000, 3000, and 4000 Hz in either ear compared to the baseline. When an STS is detected, the employer must investigate the cause, review the adequacy of hearing protection, and consider re-assessment of the noise environment.

Record Keeping Requirements

The record keeping obligations under the 2019 regulations are among the most demanding of any occupational health regulation in Malaysia. Noise assessment records must be retained for 30 years. That's not a typo.

Record Type	Retention Period
Noise Risk Assessment reports	30 years
Audiometric test results	Duration of employment + 5 years after employee leaves
Training records	Duration of employment + 5 years
Engineering control implementation records	30 years
DOSH notification of hearing loss cases	30 years

The 30-year retention exists because noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative and progressive. A worker who develops hearing loss 20 years after exposure needs historical records to establish causation. This has direct implications for workmen compensation claims.

Industries Most Affected

Some industries have noise exposure as a routine part of operations. If you operate in any of these sectors, noise compliance should be a standing item on your safety agenda.

Industry	Typical Noise Sources	Typical Levels dB(A)
Manufacturing	Stamping presses, CNC machines, grinding, packaging lines	85-105
Construction	Piling, concrete breaking, power tools, generators	90-115
Oil & Gas	Compressors, pumps, turbines, flaring	85-110
Timber / Sawmill	Circular saws, planers, chippers	90-105
Quarrying / Mining	Crushers, screens, drilling, blasting	90-115
Food & Beverage	Bottling lines, high-speed packaging, refrigeration compressors	82-95
Printing	Printing presses, folding machines, bindery equipment	85-95

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss and Workmen Compensation

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a recognised occupational disease in Malaysia. When a worker develops NIHL, they're entitled to compensation. This is where your noise compliance records become directly relevant to your insurance and liability exposure.

Employers must notify DOSH when a case of occupational noise-induced hearing loss, hearing impairment, or permanent standard threshold shift is detected. This notification is mandatory. Failure to report is itself an offence.

Scenario	Employer's Liability Exposure	Insurance Relevance
Worker files WC claim for hearing loss	Compensation for permanent partial disability	Workmen compensation insurance covers the claim
Multiple workers file claims simultaneously	Aggregated claims can be substantial	WC policy limits must cover multiple concurrent claims
Worker sues for negligence (no NRA conducted)	Common law damages beyond WC statutory amounts	CGL/Employer's Liability coverage needed
DOSH issues improvement/prohibition notice	Must comply or face prosecution; potential shutdown	Business interruption from compliance orders

Good noise compliance records actually protect you. If a worker claims NIHL and you can demonstrate a functioning HCP with annual audiometric tests showing no threshold shift during their employment, you have strong evidence that the exposure was controlled.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Offence	Penalty Under Noise Regulations 2019	Penalty Under OSHA 1994 (Post-Amendment 2022)
Failure to conduct NRA	Fine up to RM10,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both	Section 15 general duty: up to RM500,000
Failure to implement HCP	Fine up to RM10,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both	Section 15 general duty: up to RM500,000
Failure to provide hearing protection	Fine up to RM10,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both	Section 15 general duty: up to RM500,000
Failure to keep records for prescribed period	Fine up to RM10,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both	N/A
Failure to notify DOSH of hearing loss case	Fine up to RM10,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both	N/A

As with other OSHA subsidiary regulations, DOSH can charge under both the specific regulations and the parent Act. For more on OSHA 1994 penalties and the 2022 Amendment, see our detailed guide.

Common Compliance Mistakes

Mistake	Why It Happens	How to Fix
Still using 90 dB(A) as the exposure limit	Referencing the old 1989 regulations	Update to 85 dB(A) NEL and 82 dB(A) action level per 2019 regulations
Using 5 dB exchange rate in calculations	Habit from old framework	Apply 3 dB exchange rate; recalculate all permissible exposure durations
Relying solely on hearing protectors without engineering controls	PPE is cheaper and faster to implement	Document engineering control feasibility study; implement where practicable
No baseline audiogram for new workers	HR onboarding doesn't include audiometric referral	Add baseline audiometry to pre-employment or within-3-months induction process
NRA conducted by unregistered assessor	Using internal SHO or unregistered consultant	Only engage DOSH-registered Noise Risk Assessors
Not implementing NRA recommendations within 30 days	Budget delays, management buy-in issues	Secure pre-approval for NRA follow-up budget before commissioning the assessment

Noise Monitoring Compliance Checklist

Item	Yes/No
Preliminary noise identification completed using ICOP checklist
DOSH-registered Noise Risk Assessor engaged
NRA completed (area survey and personal monitoring)
NRA recommendations implemented within 30 days
Hearing Conservation Program established for exposed workers
Baseline audiometric tests completed for all new workers in noisy areas
Annual audiometric testing scheduled and current
Personal hearing protectors provided with fit verification
Warning signage posted in all high-noise areas
Annual employee training on noise hazards conducted
NRA records stored for 30-year retention
Next NRA reassessment date tracked (5-year cycle or upon change)

FAQ

What is the permissible noise exposure limit in Malaysia?

85 dB(A) averaged over an 8-hour working day (Leq 8hr). This is the Noise Exposure Limit (NEL) under the Occupational Safety and Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019. The action level, which triggers the requirement for an NRA and HCP, is lower at 82 dB(A).

When must an employer conduct a Noise Risk Assessment?

When there's reason to believe any employee is exposed to noise at or above 82 dB(A) Leq 8hr. The NRA must be conducted within 1 month of identifying excessive noise exposure. Only a DOSH-registered Noise Risk Assessor can perform a valid NRA. Reassessment is required every 5 years or when workplace conditions change.

What is the 3 dB exchange rate and why does it matter?

The 3 dB exchange rate means every 3 dB increase in noise level halves the permissible exposure time. At 85 dB(A), you get 8 hours. At 88 dB(A), only 4 hours. At 91 dB(A), just 2 hours. The old 1989 regulations used a 5 dB exchange rate, which was more lenient. The change to 3 dB means many more workers now exceed the exposure limits.

How long must noise monitoring records be kept?

NRA reports must be kept for 30 years. Audiometric test results must be kept for the duration of employment plus 5 years after the employee leaves. These long retention periods exist because noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, and workers may file claims years after exposure ended.

What is the penalty for not conducting noise monitoring?

Under the Noise Exposure Regulations 2019, the penalty is a fine up to RM10,000 or imprisonment up to 1 year, or both. DOSH can also charge under Section 15 of OSHA 1994 (general duty of employer), which carries a fine up to RM500,000 after the 2022 Amendment.

What is included in a Hearing Conservation Program?

An HCP must include: noise risk assessment, engineering and administrative controls, provision of personal hearing protectors, baseline and annual audiometric testing, warning signage in high-noise areas, and annual employee training on noise hazards. All components must be documented and records maintained.

Does noise-induced hearing loss qualify for workmen compensation?

Yes. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a recognised occupational disease in Malaysia. Workers who develop NIHL from workplace exposure are entitled to compensation for permanent partial disability. Employers must also notify DOSH when a case is detected. The workmen compensation insurance policy covers these claims.

Can an SHO conduct the Noise Risk Assessment?

No, unless the Safety and Health Officer (SHO) is also separately registered with DOSH as a Noise Risk Assessor. The SHO qualification alone doesn't authorise noise risk assessment. You must engage a DOSH-registered NRA specifically.

What noise monitoring equipment is required?

Sound level meters (Class 1 or Class 2 as per applicable standards) for area surveys, and personal noise dosimeters for individual exposure monitoring. All instruments must be calibrated before and after each measurement session. Calibration records must be retained as part of the NRA documentation.

Is boundary noise monitoring the same as occupational noise monitoring?

No. Boundary noise monitoring measures noise levels at the perimeter of your premises for environmental compliance under the Department of Environment (DOE) guidelines. Occupational noise monitoring measures worker exposure inside the workplace under DOSH regulations. They serve different purposes and use different standards.

Foundation Conclusion

Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable, but only if you have a functioning noise monitoring and hearing conservation programme. The 2019 regulations lowered the limits and tightened the requirements. With 30-year record retention obligations and the link to workmen compensation claims, getting noise compliance right protects both your workers and your business.

Workers exposed to excessive noise can file compensation claims years after exposure ends. Proper CGL and workmen compensation coverage ensures you're protected when claims arise, while solid compliance records strengthen your defence.

Talk to our risk specialists about workplace liability coverage