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Excessive noise is an invisible threat in many workplaces, from mining and construction sites to factory floors. Prolonged loud noise can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus, and it contributes to worker fatigue, stress, and even accidents. In Australia, noise-induced hearing loss is the single biggest cause of permanent hearing impairment – a completely preventable occupational injury. Safety managers and OH&S consultants face the dual challenge of protecting workers’ health and ensuring compliance with strict noise regulations (e.g. exposure must not exceed an average of 85 dB(A) over 8 hours).

Accumax Global’s MaxSafe Industrial Noise Alert Board, featuring the SoundEar II series (Standard and XL models), is a powerful solution to this noise hazard. It is a visual noise warning system that turns sound levels into real-time traffic-light style alerts. When noise approaches or exceeds safe limits, the board flashes yellow as a warning and red when hearing protection is required, letting everyone know it’s time to take action. In quieter conditions, it shows green, signalling that noise is at safe levels. By making noise visible and impossible to ignore, the MaxSafe SoundEar II boards help protect workers’ hearing before it’s too late. They are already trusted on industrial sites across Australia to reduce hearing loss, manage noise risks, and ensure compliance with safety standards.

The Invisible Hazard of Workplace Noise

Noise may not be a dust or a chemical you can see, but its effects on the human body are very real. Unsafe noise levels (for example, consistently above 85 dB(A)) can lead to irreversible inner ear damage. Neither surgery nor hearing aids can restore the hearing lost from chronic noise exposure. Beyond hearing loss, loud noise exposure produces physical and psychological stress responses – elevated heart rate, release of stress hormones like cortisol – which increase fatigue and reduce overall well-being. Workers in noisy environments often report irritability, difficulty concentrating, and exhaustion by day’s end. Noise also interferes with communication, making it hard to hear instructions or warning signals, and thus contributes to accidents and injuries on site. In short, excessive noise undermines both safety and productivity.

From a health perspective, the statistics are sobering. In one Australian state (NSW), over 10,000 workers suffered noise-related injuries in just four years – and over 90% of those cases resulted in permanent disability. Manufacturing, construction, mining, and other heavy industries are among the worst-affected sectors, accounting for a high number of workers’ compensation claims for hearing loss. Clearly, controlling noise isn’t just about compliance – it’s about preventing life-altering harm to employees.

Compliance Obligations: Noise Regulations and Standards in Australia

Workplace noise control is not optional; it’s a legal duty for employers and site managers. In Australia, Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations mandate that workers’ noise exposure must not exceed an average of 85 dB(A) over an 8-hour shift (with a 140 dB(C) peak limit). If noisy processes push exposure above this standard, employers (or PCBUs – Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) must implement controls to reduce noise and must provide hearing protection and regular audiometric testing for at-risk workers. Codes of Practice (such as the Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work code) guide businesses to identify noise hazards, conduct noise assessments, and put in place effective controls and warning signage.

Safety signage standards also come into play. The Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1319:1994 specifies the design and use of safety signs, including hazard warnings and mandatory signs (such as “Hearing Protection Must Be Worn” signs). The MaxSafe Noise Alert Board meets these requirements – it is fully compliant with AS/NZS 1319, meaning it provides a highly visible and standardised warning when noise is excessive. In effect, the SoundEar II board acts as an automatic hearing protection sign that activates exactly when needed. This dynamic approach ensures you’re warning workers at the right time, aligning with both the letter and spirit of safety regulations. It helps demonstrate your “duty of care” compliance by actively monitoring noise and alerting everyone when regulatory action levels are exceeded.

Finally, many companies have internal hearing conservation policies or are required to under law. These typically involve training, provision of PPE, and noise monitoring. The SoundEar II boards directly support these policies – for example, by helping to “meet hearing conservation policy obligations” through continuous monitoring and clear alerts. Instead of relying solely on periodic manual noise measurements or static warning signs, you have a live system that contributes to a safer work environment 24/7.

Introducing the MaxSafe SoundEar II Noise Alert Board

The MaxSafe Industrial Noise Alert Board is an intelligent noise monitoring sign that transforms sound into a simple visual cue that everyone on site can understand at a glance. Part of the renowned SoundEar II series from Denmark, these units have been adopted worldwide – and now, through Accumax Global’s MaxSafe line, they are available and tailored for Australian industry needs. In essence, the SoundEar II board “makes noise visible,” giving you instant awareness of when noise levels become dangerous.

Key Features and Benefits at a Glance

Real-Time Visual Alerts: The board uses a traffic-light system of Green (safe), Yellow (caution), and Red (danger) to indicate the current noise level. When the light flashes red, it’s a clear signal to put on hearing protection or reduce the noise – no ifs or buts. This instantaneous feedback ensures no one is left guessing about whether it’s “too loud”. Red means protect your ears; Yellow means be alert; Green means it’s safe to continue.

Customisable Noise Thresholds: Every workplace is different. The SoundEar II’s alert threshold can be easily adjusted to various decibel levels (from 40 dB up to 115 dB) to suit your environment’s requirements. A simple dial on the back lets you set the trigger level; for example, many sites choose 85 dB as the red-light trigger to align with occupational noise limits. You can also set an intermediate warning level (the device automatically lights yellow at ~5 dB below the red threshold). This flexibility means the system can be tuned for a quiet office, a loud workshop, or anything in between.

Live Monitoring & Data Logging: The MaxSafe Noise Alert Board isn’t just a flashy sign – it’s also a noise monitoring instrument. The unit comes with built-in software capabilities for live noise level monitoring and long-term data recording. This allows safety managers to collect noise data over days, weeks, or months and generate reports. Rather than juggling spreadsheets or manual logs, you have an automated record of when and how often noise exceeded limits. Such data is invaluable for compliance audits, risk assessments, and refining your noise control measures. (Note: In the SoundEar product range, specific models offer enhanced logging and even remote notifications; for instance, some units can send email alerts if a noise threshold is breached. Talk to Accumax about the model that best fits your monitoring needs.)

Rugged, Industrial-Grade Design: Industrial sites demand equipment that can withstand harsh conditions. The SoundEar II boards are housed in a dustproof and waterproof casing, suitable for workshops, mines, construction yards and even outdoor installations. The devices carry an IP rating for dust and moisture resistance, so they’ll keep working reliably in dusty plant rooms or damp weather. Their bright LED display is designed to be seen in large, well-lit spaces like factory floors. The robust build quality ensures longevity in tough environments, while the sleek design means it looks at home even in public areas of a facility.

Easy Installation (Plug-and-Play): You don’t need to be an engineer to set up the MaxSafe Noise Alert Board. It’s as simple as mounting it with a single screw on a wall and plugging it into a standard power socket. The unit is lightweight despite its size, and the mounting bracket is designed for quick, secure attachment. Once installed, just scroll the dial on the back to your desired decibel limit, and it’s ready to protect your workplace. No complex calibration or specialist tools required – it’s truly a plug-and-play safety upgrade.

Compliance-Friendly: The SoundEar II board effectively acts as an automated compliance assistant. It meets AS/NZS 1319 standards for safety signage, meaning its warning symbols and colours adhere to recognised formats. Visibly alerting workers when noise is excessive, it helps you enforce required hearing protection zones in real time. It also supports your compliance record-keeping through its reporting capability. In toolbox talks or safety meetings, you can use the data and the device’s presence to show you’re proactively managing noise risks – a positive signal to both workers and regulators. As one manufacturer put it, “SoundEar makes it easier to live up to noise regulations,” by ensuring you never miss when levels go over the limit.

Improves Safety Culture: Beyond the technical specs, the presence of a SoundEar II noise alert board can transform the safety culture around noise. It raises awareness among all staff – even those without technical knowledge – because anyone can see and understand the signal (no training required to interpret green/yellow/red lights). Workers become more mindful and engaged in controlling noise and using PPE when needed. In fact, sites that have deployed these signs report that employees use their ear muffs more consistently when they can see that sound levels are high. This kind of behavioural change is the holy grail of safety culture – the device is not just enforcing rules, it’s educating and empowering workers to protect themselves.

How the SoundEar II Board Works – “See” the Noise, Take Action

When you install the MaxSafe SoundEar II board in your facility, you’re effectively putting up a sentinel that listens to the noise for you. Here’s how it typically functions on a busy worksite:

Continuous Noise Detection: Inside the unit is a precise microphone and sound level meter. It continuously measures the ambient noise in decibels (dB). Unlike manual spot-checks that happen only at certain times, the SoundEar is always on duty. This means even intermittent noise – say a sudden outburst from machinery or a spike during a specific process – will be caught and indicated.

Threshold-Based Alerts: You set the device’s decibel threshold according to your needs (e.g. 85 dB(A) for industrial workplaces, or maybe a lower limit in a quieter environment). Whenever noise exceeds that chosen limit, the front display will flash a large red warning symbol (a glowing red figure of a person wearing ear protection). The yellow light will activate at a configurable level slightly below the limit (as an early warning), and a green light remains on when levels are below the caution range. This tiered alert system means the board not only warns when it’s too loud, but also gives a proactive heads-up that noise is approaching risky levels.

Instant Visibility: The SoundEar’s red flashing icon is highly conspicuous – it’s designed so that even in a bright, noisy workshop, people will notice it. The XL model in particular has an extra-large display (about 57 cm tall) for maximum visibility across a big factory floor. When that red light comes on, there’s no ambiguity. Workers can immediately respond by fitting hearing protection or stepping away from the noisy area, and supervisors are alerted that noise control measures might be needed (e.g. closing a machine’s enclosure or adjusting a process).

Automated Logging: Concurrently, the system (if connected to a PC or its software) can log the decibel values over time. For instance, you might run the SoundEar software on a computer in the supervisor’s office; the SoundEar board can feed it live dB readings. This produces a timeline of noise levels and flags when the threshold was exceeded and for how long. As a safety manager, you could review this data daily or weekly to spot patterns – perhaps a certain machine causes regular spikes at 10 am, or noise is worse during a particular task. No more guesswork or manual record-keeping – it’s all captured for you.

By combining clear alerts with data, the MaxSafe SoundEar II gives you both immediate control (warn everyone now!) and strategic insight (understand and fix recurring problems). It’s a zero-delay feedback loop: as soon as noise becomes hazardous, the workforce is notified and can react, averting unnecessary exposure.

Simple Setup in 3 Steps

One of the remarkable things about this high-tech device is how simple it is to deploy. Here’s all it takes to start using the SoundEar II Noise Alert Board on your site:

1. Mount It: Choose a location central to your work area – ideally at eye-level on a wall or post where workers in noisy zones can easily see it. Avoid placing it right next to very absorbent surfaces (like insulation or fabric) or directly on a loud machine, to ensure accurate readings. Using the provided bracket, screw the unit to the wall (only one screw is needed to hang it securely). For larger sites, you may install multiple units in different departments or opposite ends of a warehouse (the Standard and XL can mix and match based on distance).

2. Set the Noise Limit: On the back of the SoundEar II board, you’ll find a rotary dial. Turn the dial to select your desired decibel threshold for the red warning. You can refer to the manual’s guide, which shows dB levels corresponding to the dial positions. For most industrial use in Australia, we recommend 85 dB as the red-light trigger to mirror the regulatory exposure limit. (The yellow light will come on slightly below this, typically at ~80 dB if red is 85). If you’re in a lower-noise setting, you might set red at 75 dB with yellow at ~70, etc. The device offers 16 preset levels from 40 dB up to 115 dB to choose from, covering everything from a quiet office to a loud workshop. Setting the limit is a one-time step – you can always readjust it later if needed.

3. Power Up and Go: Plug the included power adapter into a normal mains outlet (240 V AC). The SoundEar board will light up and begin monitoring immediately. Green means it’s hearing the ambient noise, and all is good. That’s it – installation complete! Your noise alert board will now continuously listen and alert, with no further calibration required. You can optionally connect it to a PC via USB (if data logging or email alerts are part of your model’s features) – otherwise, it runs standalone, 24/7. Maintenance is minimal; just keep the microphone opening clear of heavy dust. The unit is designed for long-term use, with LEDs rated for many years of operation.
   

In literally a few minutes, you have upgraded your workplace with an always-on noise guardian. Compared to arranging periodic noise surveys or relying on employees to always wear earplugs without prompting, this is a major step up in convenience and reliability. As a supervisor, you can also breathe easier knowing there’s a constant watch on sound levels even when you’re not present in the area.

Building a Proactive Safety Culture with Visual Noise Alerts

A device like the MaxSafe SoundEar II doesn’t just enforce rules – it changes attitudes. By making noise hazards visible, it prompts conversations and awareness that would not happen otherwise. Here are some ways it adds value to workplace safety culture and daily operations:

Empowering Employees: Workers often become desensitised to a noisy environment – “it’s always loud, what can we do?” The SoundEar board cuts through that complacency. When the light turns red, it’s an impartial reminder that doesn’t rely on one person scolding another or constant supervision. Employees take initiative: reaching for their ear defenders, turning down a volume knob, or pausing a machine if possible. It fosters a sense of shared responsibility, as everyone can see the same alert. Newer or younger workers, in particular, gain the confidence to act – they don’t have to second-guess if they should be wearing hearing protection; the sign clearly tells them when it’s time.

Facilitating Toolbox Talks: Safety training and toolbox talks become more engaging when you have real data and examples from your own workplace. With the SoundEar II’s stored noise data and visual alerts, trainers can literally point to the device or its reports during a talk. For example: “Yesterday, we hit the red alert three times during the grinding operation – let’s discuss why and how we can reduce that.” Or even use the moment during a talk: you might intentionally create a loud noise to show how quickly the board responds, driving home how loud everyday tasks can be. The SoundEar is described as “perfect for toolbox talks” because it provides a tangible demonstration of noise levels. People often need to see it to believe it, and this device offers that visual proof (“Wow, just dropping a tool on the floor spiked it to 90 dB!”). This makes training on noise risks far more impactful than abstract numbers.

Reducing the Burden of Manual Noise Checks: In the past, ensuring compliance with noise limits meant periodic assessments by safety officers or consultants with handheld sound level meters. Those are still important for detailed analysis, but it’s impractical to do them continuously. The MaxSafe SoundEar II boards fill that gap by acting as constant noise sentinels, effectively automating the monitoring process. This reduces the need for staff to roam around taking measurements or for external experts to set up temporary monitors. Your team can focus on using the data and alerts to improve controls, rather than constantly measuring. As noted in our product literature, the system “reduces the need for manual sound checks”. It also means fewer surprises – you won’t discover after six months that a certain area was regularly over 90 dB without anyone knowing. The SoundEar would have alerted you the first time it happened, so you can respond promptly and avoid prolonged non-compliance.

Improving Communication and Morale: Noise is not just a health risk; it can also be a source of frustration and fatigue among workers. By addressing it proactively, you show employees that management cares about their comfort and health. The presence of a noise alert board sends a message: “We take hearing safety seriously.” Workers appreciate it when they can visibly see that their employer has invested in high-tech protection for them. Over time, this can boost morale and trust. Moreover, with noise alerts in place, communication on the floor can improve – because when noise is managed (or ear protection used at the right times), people can hear each other and important signals better. It’s a virtuous cycle: less noise, less stress, more focus, and a safer, more pleasant workplace overall.

Adapting to Changing Conditions: Modern worksites are dynamic. Perhaps you bring in a new machine, or production intensifies seasonally, raising noise levels. The SoundEar II boards can serve as an early warning system for changing noise conditions. If suddenly you start seeing red alerts frequently where there were few before, it’s a sign that something has changed – maybe maintenance is needed on a machine, or additional damping or PPE is required. In this way, the system helps you continuously improve and adapt your noise control plan, which is exactly what regulators expect (the continuous improvement model of safety management).

In summary, the MaxSafe Noise Alert Board not only helps you comply with noise regulations but also fosters an environment where safety is front-of-mind. It creates teachable moments and encourages safe behaviour organically. This can be especially valuable in high-noise industries where hearing protection is sometimes neglected – the constant visual reminder ensures it’s taken seriously. As a result, you get a workforce that’s not just following rules, but actively looking out for their own hearing health and that of their mates.

Choosing the Right Model: Standard vs XL

The SoundEar II series comes in two main sizes, and Accumax Global offers both as part of the MaxSafe range. Which model is right for your site – the Standard or the XL? Let’s compare their benefits:

• SoundEar II Industrial (Standard): This is the smaller model, with dimensions of roughly 265 × 205 × 46 mm. Don’t be fooled by its compact size – it packs the exact same functionality and brightness as its big brother. The Standard SoundEar II is ideal for most scenarios: workshops, medium-sized factories, construction site offices, equipment rooms, or any area where the viewing distance isn’t extremely large. It’s also a bit more portable if you ever need to relocate it. The standard model can be a good choice if you plan to install multiple units in various spots (it’s more economical and lightweight). It’s often used in indoor facilities and even non-industrial settings like schools or hospitals to monitor noise. Essentially, choose the Standard if your area is confined or moderate in size and you can mount the sign relatively close (within, say, 20–30 m of the people who need to see it clearly).

• SoundEar II Industrial XL: As the name suggests, the XL is the extra-large version, measuring about 576 × 376 × 46 mm – so roughly double the height and width of the standard unit. The XL was designed for big factories, warehouses, mining sites, and open outdoor areas where you need the sign to be visible from a longer distance or to a larger group at once. It features a much larger illuminated display (the iconic ear-with-muffs symbol) that can be seen across expansive spaces. In fact, one XL can often cover an area that might require multiple standard units to cover. As one distributor put it, the XL is “a big display for big factories and workshops” – it “leaves nothing to chance” when informing staff it’s time for hearing protection. Despite the bigger size, installation is just as easy (it still only needs one screw and a power outlet). The XL model is especially useful in places like mine processing plants, airport tarmacs, large construction zones, or even sports arenas – anywhere the noise hazard area is broad. If you have a high roof or want the sign mounted up high, the XL’s large symbols and letters ensure it’s still legible from the ground.

Feature-wise, the Standard and XL are identical – according to the manufacturer, the only difference is the physical size of the display. Both models have the same noise detection hardware, the same threshold settings, the same lights (just scaled up in the XL), and both are equally weatherproof and durable. So your decision mainly comes down to viewing distance and visual impact. Some sites even use a combination: for example, standard units in smaller rooms or enclosed areas, and an XL in the main production hall.

If you’re unsure, a rule of thumb from the safety signage standards is that a larger sign is needed if the viewing distance is long. You might consider how far the farthest worker or operator will be from the sign. The XL’s huge display can be seen from across a warehouse floor or an open-pit mine workshop. For many typical factory workshops or construction site sheds, the standard will suffice. Either way, you’re getting the same life-saving warning capability. And because both are “multiple sizes of the same solution,” they are fully interoperable – you could set all units to the same threshold and they’d synchronously warn different parts of your facility.

Achieve Compliance and Protect Your Team – The MaxSafe Advantage

Investing in a MaxSafe Industrial Noise Alert Board means investing in peace of mind for everyone involved: workers go about their tasks confident that they’ll be warned if things get too loud, and managers rest assured knowing a reliable system is on guard against invisible noise dangers. With the SoundEar II series, you’re not just reacting to problems – you’re preventing them. By the time a worker says “that machine seems loud,” the SoundEar board will likely have already flashed its warning, prompting preventive measures and averting prolonged exposure.

In today’s competitive industrial landscape, maintaining a strong safety record is also good business. Avoiding noise-related accidents, fines, or hearing loss compensation claims can save enormous costs in the long run. More importantly, it keeps your skilled workforce healthy and productive. A proactive approach to noise demonstrates leadership in safety – something that clients, auditors, and employees all appreciate. It’s no surprise that companies across Australia are adopting these visual noise warning systems as standard equipment in noise-prone areas.

Ready to Make Noise Control Easy?

Don’t wait for a hearing loss incident or a non-compliance notice to take action. With MaxSafe SoundEar II Noise Alert Boards, you can create a safer, quieter work environment right now. The solution is compliance-friendly, easy to install, and proven effective in reducing harmful noise exposure. It’s time to let your team “see” the noise hazard before it’s too loud – and foster a culture where protecting hearing is second nature.

Contact Accumax Global today to learn more about the MaxSafe Industrial Noise Alert Board or to request a quote. Our safety experts can help you assess which model and setup best fit your needs, be it a single unit for a workshop or an integrated network of boards for a large operation. Reach out via phone or email, or visit our website to request a demo. Join the ranks of forward-thinking Australian businesses that have made workplace noise safety a top priority. With MaxSafe and SoundEar II on your side, you’ll not only meet your OH&S obligations – you’ll exceed them, visibly and confidently.

Protect your people, ensure compliance, and build a stronger safety culture with MaxSafe Noise Alert Boards from Accumax Global. It’s time to let sound safety speak volumes – in the form of a bright, flashing warning that no one can ignore.