OCCUPATIONAL NOISE MANAGEMENT

 

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·       NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

·       NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Ø    Hearing protection

Ø    Notices

 

NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

Where a worker is exposed to a sound level of 90 decibels (dBA) or greater the employer must take measures to reduce the sound level below 90 dBA. Where it’s not practicable to take such measures, reduce the time a worker is exposed or provide the worker with hearing protection.

 

Noise exposure limits are shown in the following table (from Industrial Establishments Regulation 851/90, 139)

 

 

Column 1

Column 2

Sound level

in Decibels

Duration – Hours per

24-Hour Day

90

8

92

6

95

4

97

3

100

2

102

1 ½

105

1

110

½

115

¼ or less

higher than 115

No exposure

 

 

NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION PROGRAM

Hearing protection

Provide hearing protection to any worker who is exposed to a sound level of 115 dBA or higher.

 

Hearing protection must be able to reduce the sound level below the sound level in Column 1 of the Table above for the exposure corresponding to the time shown in Column 2. (Industrial Establishments Regulation 851/90, 139)

 

Notices

Post clear and visible warning signs at the approaches to any area where the sound level is more than 90 dBA. The signs must show the daily exposure for the particular sound level that is permitted AND that hearing protection must be worn when the permitted daily exposure is exceeded. For example, if the sound level in an area is 100 dBA, the sign must show that the daily exposure is 2 hours or less, and that hearing protection is required for workers who are in the area for more than that time. (Industrial Establishments Regulation 851/90, 139)

 

 

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