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NOISE
CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
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Training
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Notices
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Review
A worker may not have a daily exposure to noise that is greater than 85
dBA or a peak sound level of 135 dBA. (Occupational Health and Safety
Regulation 296/97, 7.2)
NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM
If a worker is exposed to noise above the allowable limits, a written noise control and hearing conservation program must be developed and implemented. The noise control program must have the following elements: noise measurement, training, noise control, hearing protection, notices, hearing tests and an annual review. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.3)
Noise
levels must be measured when a worker is exposed to, or may be exposed to,
levels that exceed 82 dBA. Measurement is not necessary if it is known that
noise levels exceed 85 dBA and a noise control and hearing conservation program
is implemented. Noise measurement must be conducted using a noise dosimeter or
an integrating sound meter. Records of noise measurement must be kept.
(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.4 – 7.8)
Workers must be informed of the results of noise testing. Training must include the effects of noise, the proper use of PPE and the purpose of hearing testing. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.9 – 7.10)
If
workers are exposed to noise above the exposure limits, engineered noise
control must be investigated. If practical, noise controls must be implemented.
(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.11 - 7.12)
If the
noise cannot be engineered below the exposure limits, workers must use hearing
protection. Hearing protectors must comply with CSA Z94.2-94 Hearing
Protectors. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.13 – 7.14)
In areas
where the noise level exceeds the exposure limits, signs must be posted. A
worker must wear hearing protection in all posted noise hazard areas and in
accordance with instructions provided by the employer. (Occupational Health and
Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.15 – 7.16)
Hearing
tests must be provided for workers who are exposed to noise above the exposure
limits. Tests must be conducted within six months of the first exposure to the noise
above the exposure limits and annually thereafter. Results of the testing must
be provided to the worker and the Workers Compensation Board (the board). The
employer must retain records of the testing for the duration of a worker’s
employment. Test results must be kept confidential. (Occupational Health and
Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.17 – 7.21)
The noise control and hearing conservation program must be reviewed annually in consultation with the JHSC. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 7.22 – 7.23)
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