OCCUPATIONAL NOISE MANAGEMENT

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· NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

· NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION

Ø Noise measurement

Ø Training

Ø Noise control

Ø Hearing protection

Ø Notices

NOISE EXPOSURE LIMITS

A worker may not have a daily exposure to noise that is greater 90 dBA for 8 hours, 95 dBA for 4 hours, and may not be exposed to greater than 115 dBA at any time. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 131)

NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION

Noise measurement

Noise levels must be measured at least annually where there are more than 50 workers and the noise is likely to exceed limits.

Noise levels must be measured within 30 days of a change of process or after implementing noise reduction measures. Measurements must be kept for five years. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 141)

Training

Workers must be given information regarding the risks of the work and provide appropriate training to ensure that he or she has sufficient skill and information to perform the work safely. (Occupational Health and Safety Act, 51)

Noise control

The employer must comply with noise exposure limits with the following priority: reduce the noise at the source, isolate the workstation, or insulate work areas acoustically. If none of these are possible, workers must wear personal protective equipment. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 136)

Hearing protection

Personal protective equipment must reduce noise exposure below limits. Hearing protectors must comply with CSA Z.94.2-1974 Hearing Protectors. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-2001, 137)

Notices

Notices must be posted in areas requiring hearing protection. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 885-01, 138)

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