Noise Surveys are a critical component of a Hearing Conservation program. A noise survey takes a scientific measure of the noise levels in the workplace. More importantly, the survey typically includes a number of noise dosimeter readings which provide data as to the workplace noise levels that employees in representative functions may be exposed to.
A noise assessment includes a preliminary walk-through, comprehensive noise monitoring measurements including noise level meters and noise dosimeters and the written evaluation.
In Canada:
Noise is a common occupational hazard, especially in industries such as manufacturing, construction, mining, and agriculture. Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is irreversible. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS), along with provincial/territorial regulations, require employers to protect workers from harmful noise exposure.
Legal Requirements
In Canada, noise exposure limits and requirements for conducting noise surveys are governed by regulations such as:
- Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z94.2-14: This standard provides guidelines for hearing protection and noise management in workplaces.
- Provincial Regulations: Each province may have its own specific regulations for workplace noise exposure. For example:
- Ontario: The Occupational Health and Safety Act under Regulation 833 (Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents) includes limits on noise exposure.
- Alberta: The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code outlines noise exposure limits and requirements for hearing protection.
The Noise survey report identifies the levels of employee noise exposure, and then makes recommendations to help reduce exposure to workplace noise and to reduce noise-induced hearing loss.
A Noise survey report prepared as part of the hearing conversation program includes recommendations on:
- hearing protection,
- audiometric testing
- employee education,
- engineering controls and
- other means to reduce workplace noise and noise-induced hearing loss.
Occu-Med provides Noise Surveys as part of Hearing Conversation programs, through our Workplace Assessment group.
Contact us to learn more about our Noise Survey services.