By
Leesha Furse
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LAC
David Paul, an aircraft technician in No. 79 Squadron at
RAAF Base Pearce, in front of one of the noise warning signs
being replaced around the base.
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Photo
by CPL Gary Dixon
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RAAF
Bases Pearce and Wagga are close to finalising changes to hearing
protected areas (HPAs) and activities as a result of independent
noise surveys conducted earlier this year.
The reports, commissioned by the Directorate of Air Force Safety,
found that noise levels at Pearce have increased in the past five years, while they have mostly decreased at Wagga over the same
time.
And while the reports noted that basewide there is a “good understanding”
of the need for and the use of hearing protectors in areas where
there is a real or perceived risk to hearing, some personnel on
both bases have been risking permanent hearing loss by not using
appropriate hearing protection when using blank ammunition.
Both bases are acting to ensure hearing protection is worn at
all times where it is prescribed. Wing Commander Graeme Wren,
Base Commander RAAF Base Wagga, said people on the range using
the equipment as well as spectators, no matter how large the group,
were to wear hearing protection at all times.
“While it is part of the mandatory requirement, the report suggested
that perhaps it had not been fully implemented. Now it is,” WGCDR
Wren said.
He said Air Force members needed to understand that hearing loss
might not be so obvious while they were young and fit, “however,
we are reminding them that what they do now can severely affect
them in the future”.
RAAF Base Pearce is increasing the number of HPA areas, including
making the entire flightline a Black HPA and the working dogs
kennel and airmovements area Red HPAs.
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THE
FINDINGS
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RAAF
Base Wagga
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The
report’s comparison of data from this and previous surveys
showed a “considerable reduction in noise exposure in several
areas”. Adopting quieter work practices have achieved this.
For example, abolishing the stationary engine area has removed
the only Black HPA on the base. The report says the introduction
of the Macchi jet training aircraft has impacted on the
training environment. Visiting military aircraft have also
increased noise.
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RAAF
Base Pearce
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The
report’s comparison of the latest data to previous surveys
showed a “general increase” in aircraft noise as a result
of introducing the Hawk 127 to replace the Macchi. The noise
levels are “very similar” to the Macchi at ground crew level,
however the Hawk 127’s noise travels greater distances,
increasing the general noise level. The noise impact of
the PC-9 and Marchetti S211 is unchanged since the last
survey.
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Warrant
Officer Philip Berkhout, RAAF Base Pearce’s base ground safety
adviser, said the impact of increasing the HPA by one level could
dramatically change the time that an unprotected person could
be exposed to noise. “For example, in red HPAs the noise levels
are above 100 decibels but below 115 decibels,” WOFF Berkhout
said.
“Exposure without hearing protection is limited to 15 minutes
at 100 decibels down to 30 seconds at 115 decibels. “Without proper
hearing protection you risk permanent damage to your hearing.
If people comply with what’s required in terms of correct hearing
protection then they can significantly reduce or eliminate the
risk.”
Personnel on both bases will also notice a change in the signs
installed around the HPAs, warning them of the need to wear hearing
protection appropriate for the level of noise they could be exposed
to.
This might mean wearing ear plugs as well as ear muffs in Black
HPAs. Wagga has completed installing the signs, while Pearce is
looking at what signs are required. An increase in the number
of advisory signs at Pearce is expected, which includes metal
and decal signs fixed inside and outside of buildings and access
points.
Items of GSE also require signs if assessed as HPAs. At Wagga,
the results of a noise survey on the copper sheet hand-shaping
component of the Aircraft Structural Fitters (FAC 189) course
are being finalised so changes can be made before the next course
starts.
Both bases are responding to all recommendations made by the acoustic
consultant. Workplaces should reassess their noise hazards every
five years, or when changes are made.
Impact
of Hawk to be addressed
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A
Hawk readies for take-off at RAAF Base Darwin during Exercise
Aces North.
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Photo
by Louise Butcher
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DEFENCE
will spend more than $2 million this financial year on works
to address the environmental impact of the introduction of the
Hawk Lead-In Fighter at RAAF Base Williamtown. Security at the
Salt Ash Weapons Range will be increased as part of the works.
The impacts identified by the introduction into service of the
Hawk Lead-In Fighter include restricted flying curfews, such
as times when students are preparing for and sitting their Higher
School Certificates. Night flying at Salt Ash will be restricted
to the minimum required to achieve operational and training targets.
Normally, there will be no flying after 9pm and 10.30pm during
daylight saving. The average annual use of the range will continue
to be minimised and road signs warning of low flying aircraft
and possible high noise areas will be reviewed. Measures to reduce
air emissions and fuel consumption during taxiing, take-offs and
landings will be introduced at both sites as part of Defence’s
commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A range of methods will be used to communicate flying programs
and schedules to the Port Stephens community. Defence has established
the Williamtown Consultative Forum with Port Stephens Council
to ensure community concerns, where possible, are factored into
operations of the range.
The forum will also monitor and report on the implementation of
the conditions arising from the Hawk Lead-In Fighter environmental
impact assessment. The environmental management plan for both
sites will incorporate waste management and control of contamination,
including management of toxic materials and waste generated during
aircraft servicing and maintenanace.
Defence will seek to ensure any longterm health studies in the
Port Stephens area include monitoring for signs of air toxins.
The plans will consider the impacts of aircraft attack profiles
on heritage sites.
Indigenous artifacts, archaeological deposits and heritage sites
will be catalogued, protected and managed. Some initiatives have
started, while others are in the final stages of development.
