3mClass 5 hearing protection

This policy is to be applied in conjunction with the application guidelines to provide a consistent approach to allowing U-turning at intersection traffic signals on all roads in Western Australia.

The purpose of this document is to detail Main Roads' policy for permitting U-turns at intersections controlled by traffic signals, by the use of ‘U Turn Permitted’ signs.  N.B. This document does not deal with the use of U-turn traffic signal displays which, by and large, would apply only in exceptional circumstances.

While its important to ensure adequate protection is provided by your hearing protection device, it's also vital that the protector does not overprotect the wearer. Hearing overprotection occurs when a hearing protector provides more protection than what is required, thereby stopping the wearer from hearing important sounds such as warning signals and speech. For this reason, it is recommended that after wearing the hearing protector, the noise reaching the wearer's eardrum should not be lower than 70dB. For example, the measured noise level minus the product's SLC80 rating should not result in a value less than 70dB.

Class 5 hearing protectionbunnings

Under the Australian Standard AS/NZS 1270:2002, the Class is an easy way to choose a hearing protector appropriate to a noise exposure. The standard rates hearing protection into five classes, with Class 1 being the lowest level of protection and Class 5 being the highest level.

Everyone’s ear canal is unique — much like a fingerprint. Which is why it’s even more important that you choose adequate and suitable hearing protection that is the correct size to achieve a good fit. uvex offers a complete range of hearing protection solutions to cater for a variety of hearing protection requirements.

Class3hearing protection

Class 5 hearing protectiondB

However, some members of the community may have reduced amenity when a dual carriageway is installed due to reduced opportunities to turn right.  As a consequence, requests are made for U-turning to be allowed at some traffic signal controlled intersections to facilitate easier access to local roads and properties.  Regulation 31 of the Road Traffic Code 2000 prohibits U-turning at traffic signal controlled intersections unless a U-turn is permitted by the traffic signal display or a ‘U Turn Permitted’ sign is installed.  Conditions regarding time, days or vehicle type may be added to a ‘U Turn Permitted’ sign.

Overriding the criteria contained in this document are drivers’ legal obligations to conform to Regulation 32 of the Road Traffic Code 2000 when undertaking any U-turn movement.  The legal requirements being as follows:

Main Roads may install U-turn Permitted signs on an approach to intersection traffic control signals where U-turning will not compromise safety or interfere with the efficiency of the traffic signal operations, and where the destination for which the manoeuvre is required cannot reasonably be accommodated by other means.

Applications for ‘U Turn Permitted’ signs should be addressed to the Traffic Services Co-ordinator in the Metropolitan Region and the appropriate Regional Manager in regional areas.

The policy and application guidelines shall be applied on receipt of a request for U-turning to be provided or an investigation indicates that permitting U-turns will improve traffic management and safety.

Class4hearing protection

The system is based on the SOUND LEVEL CONVERSION (SLC80) rating which is the difference between the sound level of the environment in which the hearing protection is worn and the sound level reaching the wearer’s ears.

If U-turning is required to be restricted to particular hours of a day or days of a week or both, then this information shall be contained on a sign immediately below the ‘U-turn Permitted’ sign.  Sign layout shall conform to the requirements of AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Class 5 hearing protectionwith Bluetooth

If it is necessary to indicate that U-turning is required to be restricted to a particular maximum vehicle length, the ‘U-Turn Permitted’ signs shall have a sign attached below that sign indicating the length of vehicle permitted to make the turn.  Sign layout shall conform to the requirements of AS 1742 Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices.

Traffic signals are installed at intersections of heavily trafficked routes taking account of traffic planning requirements for an area or a length of road.  In many instances where major roads are constructed as dual carriageways for capacity and/or safety reasons, traffic signal controlled intersections provide the only break in the median.  The consequence of this is that minor side roads and driveways between intersections can only be accessed by vehicles turning left.  Similarly, vehicles wanting to turn right from these minor side roads or driveways face a circuitous route with additional travel distance.

Once the noise exposure level is measured or calculated from a noise assessment, suitable hearing protection solutions can be determined using the SLC80 rating. For example, if the measured noise level for a worker's shift (L Aeq,8h) is 100dB(A) and the legislative noise exposure limit is 85dB(A), then at least 15dB(A) reduction in noise is required. This would mean a hearing protector with a SLC80 rating of 15dB(A) or greater will provide the protection required.

Class 5 hearing protectionAustralia

These policy and application guidelines have consequently been developed to address situations where it is impractical to require traffic to travel inordinately long distances to gain left turn access from the adjacent carriageway, or to turn in the opposite direction.

It is best to try different sizes to find the one that gives you the best protection and fit. With the range of hearing protection, we offer something for the majority of ear canal shapes.

‘U Turn Permitted’ signs shall be designed in accordance with Australian Standard 1743 Road Signs – Specifications for Sign Type R2-15A.

In cases where more than one right turn only lane is provided, ‘U Turn Permitted’ signs, as well as any diagrammatic type direction signs depicting the U-turn movement, shall have a supplementary “RIGHT LANE ONLY” sign.

Class4 vsClass 5 hearing protection

Road Traffic Code means those regulations cited as the Road Traffic Code 2000 under the provisions of the Road Traffic Act 1974.

Where a turning lane is provided to cater exclusively for U-turns, and it is essential to distinguish it from a right turning lane before or after, the U-turn arrow should be used.  If the distinction is not needed and the lane caters for both right turns and U-turns, a right turn arrow shall be used.  Turn arrows shall be installed in accordance with Main Roads Drawing No. 9531-2010.

Benefits to the community in the form of increased safety and road efficiency occur when single carriageway roads are converted to dual carriageway roads.  Minimising breaks in the median of these dual carriageway roads assists in reducing the incidence of right turning vehicles blocking and impeding through traffic thereby increasing the efficiency of the road.

Choosing the wrong size can severely reduce the actual protection received from the product, thereby exposing wearers to harmful noise. A poor fitting earplug would also be more uncomfortable for the wearer.

Carriageway means a portion of a road that is improved, designed or ordinarily used for vehicular traffic, and includes the shoulders, and areas, including embayments, at the side or centre of the carriageway, used for the stopping or parking of vehicles; and, where a road has two or more of those portions divided by a median strip, the expression means each of those portions, separately.

The appropriate form of hearing protection varies according to the wearer’s ear and the area of application. Here are some factors to consider when choosing hearing protection:

The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present.