Noise level testing records help document that your company is doing its due diligence towards complying with noise regulations, hearing loss prevention, and noise control in the workplace.
The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has developed occupational exposure limits (OEL) to protect workers’ hearing to ensure that a worker is not exposed to noise levels above 85 dBA Lex.
Testing Methods
There are two different methods SASM can use to test your facility’s noise levels:
Individual Assessment of Noise Exposure
Individual assessments of noise exposure using personal dosimetry include placing a noise monitor (personal dosimeter) on a worker, which logs the total noise exposure during a shift (8-hour exposure or greater) in order to determine an individual worker’s personal noise exposure levels. SASM uses 3M Edge 5 personal noise dosimeters. A maximum of three (3) workers can be monitored per day.
Exposure to noise can result in noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Noise-induced hearing loss is cumulative, progressive and permanent. Properly fitted hearing protection devices can save a worker’s hearing. Testing new employees’ hearing, and the noise levels where they work, provides a baseline for measuring potential hearing loss and can assist in avoiding permanent injury and the many costs associated with NIHL claims. SASM provides our clients with on-site quantitative fit testing of hearing protection (please see Fit Testing for additional information). To schedule noise level testing or fit testing, please contact us.
General Area Noise Level Survey and/or Individual Workstation/Equipment
General area noise level surveys measure your workers’ noise exposure by area (cumulative) and/or by individual workstation/equipment. SASM uses professional quality sound level meters.
Deliverables
SASM will provide an assessment report which includes:
- The source of the noise
- Noise exposure levels
- Location of exposed persons
- Noise problems
- Recommendations for resolving noise concerns
- Saskatchewan regulatory requirements
- Digital copy of the report
