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NOTICES
A worker may not have a daily exposure to noise that is greater than 85
dBA. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 1996, 113)
The employer must
use reasonably practicable means to reduce noise such as elimination of the
source of the noise, substitution, enclosure, or acoustical barriers.
New, renovated or altered workplaces, and new equipment must be designed
and constructed to achieve the lowest practicable noise.
(Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 1996, 109-110)
Where the noise frequently exceeds 80 dBA, the noise level must be
measured. A competent person must evaluate the source and recommend corrective
action. The measures recommended must be documented.
When altering the building or equipment may change the noise levels,
noise must be re-measured. Results of noise measurements must be kept as long
as the employer operates in Saskatchewan. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 1996, 111)
If a worker has a
daily exposure 80 - 85 dBA, the worker must be informed of the hazard and
hearing protection be made available on request. The worker must be trained in
the selection, use, and maintenance of hearing protectors.
If a worker has a
daily exposure greater than 85 dBA, the worker must be informed of the hazard.
Noise levels must be reduced where practicable, or worker exposure reduced.
Steps taken must be documented. If noise reduction and exposure reduction are
not possible to bring exposure below 85 dBA, written reasons must be provided
to the JHSC.
If the worker has a
daily exposure greater than 85 dBA, or the noise level is greater than 90 dBA
and cannot be reduced, hearing protectors must be provided. Workers must be
trained in the selection, use and maintenance of hearing protectors. Workers
must be given an audiometric test every 24 months. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
1996, 113)
When ten or more
workers are exposed to greater than 85 dBA, a written hearing conservation plan
must be developed and reviewed every 3 years. The written plan must include the
following: methods of assessing noise exposure, methods of noise control,
selection, use, and maintenance of protectors, a training plan, maintenance of
exposure records, requirements for audiometric tests, and a schedule for
reviewing the plan. The plan must be available to workers. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
1996, 113)
When required or permitted, the employer must provide hearing protectors
and require workers to wear it. Ideally, protectors should reduce noise below
85 dBA but low as practicable. (Occupational
Health and Safety Regulation 1996, 99)
Signs must be posted where noise exceeds 80 dBA, and show the noise
range. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 1996, 111)
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