OCCUPATIONAL NOISE MANAGEMENT

 

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·       NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

·       NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Ø    Noise measurement

Ø    Noise management program

Ø    Hearing protection

Ø    Hearing tests

 

NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

The employer must ensure that a worker’s noise exposure does not exceed 85 dBA over an 8-hour time period. (Occupational Health and Safety Code, 218)

 

NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

The employer must ensure that all reasonably practicable measures are used to reduce the noise to which workers are exposed.

 

The employer must ensure that a new work site, significant alterations to a work area, new work process or new equipment are designed or constructed such that the continuous noise generated is not more than 85 dBA or as low as reasonably practicable.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 216-7)

 

Noise measurement

If workers may be exposed to noise in excess of 85 dBA over an 8-hour period, the employer must conduct a noise exposure assessment in accordance with CSA Z107.56-94 (R1999) Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure.

 

Noise exposure must be measured using a type 2 sound level meter meeting the requirements of ANSI S1.43-1997 Specifications for Integrating-Averaging Sound Level Meters, a type 2 noise dosimeter meeting the requirements of ANSI S1.25-1991 Specifications for Personal Noise Dosimeters, or an integrating sound level meter meeting the requirements of ANSI S1.43-1997 Integrating-Averaging Sound level Meters.

 

The employer must ensure that a noise exposure assessment is conducted by a competent person and updated if a change in equipment or process affects the noise level.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 219)

 

Noise management program

If a noise exposure assessment confirms that workers are exposed to excess noise, the employer must develop and implement a noise management program that includes policies and procedures.

 

The noise management program must include a plan to educate workers in the hazards of exposure to excess noise and train workers in the correct use of control measures, methods and procedures to be used when measuring worker exposure, posting of warning signs in work areas where the noise level exceeds 85 dBA, methods of noise control to be used, selection, use and maintenance of hearing protection, requirements for audiometric testing and an annual review of the program.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 221)

 

Hearing protection

The employer must ensure that hearing protection provided meets the requirements of CSA Z94.2-02 Hearing Protection Devices – Performance, Selection, Care and Use.

 

The employer must provide workers with training in the selection, use and maintenance of hearing protection in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications, and ensure that workers wear the hearing protection.

 

Workers must wear the hearing protection provided in accordance with training.

(Occupational Health and Safety Code, 220)

 

Hearing tests

The employer must provide an initial baseline test as soon as practicable after a worker has been exposed to excess noise, but not later than 6 months after the worker is employed, and at least every second year. (Occupational Health and Safety Code, 223)

 

 

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