OCCUPATIONAL NOISE MANAGEMENT

 

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·       NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

·       NOISE CONTROL

Ø    Noise measurement

Ø    Noise control

Ø    Hearing protection

Ø    Notices

 

NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

A worker may not have a daily exposure to noise that is greater than 85 dBA or a impact noise in excess of a peak C-weighted level of 140 dB. Noise exposure must be kept as low as practical. (General Regulation 91-191, 29)

 

NOISE CONTROL

Noise measurement

Noise levels must be measured when the employer or worker suspects that the noise levels in a work area exceed 80 dBA. Noise measurement must be conducted by a competent person using a type 2 sound level meter set to the A-weighted network with slow response and that conforms to ANSI S1.4-1983 American National Standard Specifications for Sound Level Meters. The amount of time employees spend in an area where the noise level exceeds 80 dBA must also be measured. Records of noise measurement must be kept and made available to the JHSC.

 

When there is reason to suspect that measured noise levels have changed, the noise and employee exposure must be re-measured and documented. (General Regulation 91-191, 29)

 

Noise control

If the installation of engineering controls is practical, the employer must install and use appropriate engineering controls to reduce worker exposure as low as practicable. (General Regulation 91-191, 31)

 

Hearing protection

Where necessary, the employer must provide adequate hearing protection to reduce exposure below exposure limits. The employee must wear hearing protection as required. Hearing protection must conform to CSA Z94.2-94 Hearing Protectors. (General Regulation 91-191, 32, 48)

 

Notices

In areas where the noise level exceeds 85 dBA, signs must be posted that indicate the range of noise levels measured and warns of the noise hazard. (General Regulation 91-191, 33)

 

 

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