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·
SIGNS
A worker may not have a daily exposure to noise that is greater than
that established by the ACGIH, 1985-86. The exposure limits are summarized in
the tables below.
|
Duration per day, hours |
Sound level in dBA |
|
16 |
80 |
|
8 |
85 |
|
4 |
90 |
|
2 |
95 |
|
1 |
100 |
|
½ |
105 |
|
¼ |
110 |
|
1/8 |
115 |
|
Sound level dBA |
Permitted number of impacts |
|
140 |
100 |
|
130 |
1,000 |
|
120 |
10,000 |
(Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulation EC180/87, 8.1)
If a worker is required to work in an area where the noise
level exceeds the allowable limits, the employer must take measures to reduce
the noise to approved levels. If it is not practicable to reduce the noise
to approved levels, the workers must wear personal protective equipment that
will protect their hearing. (Occupational
Health and Safety Act General Regulation EC180/87, 8.2)
When hearing protective
devices are provided as a means of protecting employees, the employer must
ensure that the employee is adequately trained in the use and care of the
hearing protectors, the hearing protectors are approved and adequately maintained.
Approved means in conformance with any recognized standard. (Occupational
Health and Safety Act General Regulation EC180/87, 45.12)
Any area where the
sound exceeds 85 dBA must be marked with a sign indicating the range of noise
levels measured, warns workers of the potential hazard, and warns that hearing
protectors must be worn when the daily exposure is greater than that permitted
for the particular sound level. (Occupational Health and Safety Act General
Regulation EC180/87, 8.3)
All employees exposed
to noise above exposure limits must have an audiometric test at the beginning
of employment and annually thereafter. (Occupational Health and Safety Act
General Regulation EC180/87, 8.3)
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