Measuring noise levels and the exposure to noise by a worker is the most important part of a workplace hearing conservation program. It helps identify work locations where there are potential concerns, employees who may be affected, and where additional noise measurements may need to be collected. A noise survey is also an important component in determining if the existing hearing protection used in your facility is adequate.
Ontario Regulation 381/15 is the amended Noise Regulation made under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) that was approved on December 9, 2015. Ontario Regulation 381/15 replaces the noise protection requirements set out in other Ontario Regulations. One key change is that this new Regulation extends noise protection requirements to all workplaces in Ontario. Ontario Regulation 381/15 came into effect on July 1, 2016. It will help protect Ontario’s workers from noise-induced hearing loss, a leading cause of occupational disease for Ontario workers.
Noise surveys are typically conducted with personal dosimeters or integrated sound level meters. The survey can cover a specific area or a range of areas to provide you with a complete understanding of the noise levels found in your facility. IES can help you meet legislative requirements and ensure your workers are adequately protected from the long-term effects of noise exposure.
We have answered some commonly asked questions regarding noise level testing below:
What is noise level testing?
Noise level testing is the process of measuring and evaluating the intensity or loudness of sound in a given environment or area. It involves the use of specialized instruments, such as sound level meters, to quantify the level of noise present.
Why is noise level testing important?
Noise level testing is important for several reasons. It helps to assess and monitor noise exposure levels in various settings, such as workplaces, construction sites, residential areas, and public spaces. It allows for compliance with noise regulations and standards, ensures the health and safety of individuals, and helps identify and mitigate noise-related risks or issues.
What are the common methods for noise level testing?
There are several methods for noise level testing, including:
Sound level measurements: Using a sound level meter, measurements are taken at specific locations to quantify the sound pressure levels (SPL) in decibels (dB).
Area monitoring: Monitoring noise levels continuously over a period of time in a specific area to assess the overall noise exposure.
Personal dosimetry: Worn by individuals, personal noise dosimeters measure and record the noise exposure experienced by an individual over a working day.
Octave band analysis: Sound level meters equipped with octave band filters can provide detailed information about the frequency distribution of noise, allowing for analysis of specific frequency ranges.
What are acceptable noise levels in different settings?
Acceptable noise levels vary depending on the setting and purpose of the space. For example, residential areas typically have lower noise limits compared to industrial areas. Ontario Regulation 381/15 stipulates acceptable noise levels in provincially regulated workplaces. It must be noted that certain variables can change what the allowable limit is, particularly the length of the workers shift.
How is noise level testing conducted in workplaces?
In workplaces, noise level testing is often conducted to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. It involves identifying areas where noise levels exceed permissible limits, measuring noise exposure levels for workers, and implementing control measures to reduce noise or provide hearing protection if necessary. Workplace noise assessments may also include employee training on the risks associated with excessive noise exposure.
How frequently should noise level testing be conducted?
The frequency of noise level testing depends on various factors, including the nature of the environment, the presence of ongoing activities or changes, and applicable regulations. Routine noise level testing may be conducted periodically or as part of regular occupational health and safety assessments. In certain situations, such as construction sites, continuous monitoring may be necessary.
Who can conduct noise level testing?
Noise level testing is often performed by qualified professionals, such as occupational health and safety consultants, acoustic engineers, or industrial hygienists, who have the necessary expertise and equipment to accurately measure and interpret noise levels.
How much does noise level testing cost?
The costing to perform noise level testing in Ontario varies depending on how many locations/tasks are within the scope of work, along with the size and location of the site. Rest assured that IES provides our services in the most competent, efficient manner possible at a fraction of the cost of our competitors.
Reach out to IES Consulting today to see how we can help.