Ch. 5: Noise Management Program & Government Regulation Part B

Question 1

What is a “noise-exposed worker”?

Answer 1

• A noise-exposed worker is a worker who is exposed to noise that exceeds the occupational exposure limits identified in Schedule 3, Table 1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Code.
• In actual practice, it is not quite as straightforward as Table 1 suggests it is to determine whether or not a worker is noise exposed. If a worker’s noise exposure is intermittent and that worker is exposed to different levels of noise during a work day, then dosimetry needs to be done and the calculations in Section 218 of the Explanation Guide need to be completed to determine whether or not the worker is noise exposed.

Question 2

What are the employer’s responsibilities under the OHS Code? (9)

Answer 2

• It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure that no workers are exposed to noise that exceeds either the noise exposure limits in Schedule 3, Table 1, or 85 dBA Lex.
• An employer must do the following:
  1. Take “reasonably practicable” steps to institute engineering or administrative controls to reduce worker exposure to noise.
  2. Supply appropriate hearing protectors that comply with CSA standards.
  3. Conduct a noise exposure assessment if workers at a worksite are exposed to noise in excess of 85 dBA Lex and the noise exposure limits in Schedule 3, Table 1 are exceeded. These records must be interpreted by qualified individuals and the results retained as long as the employer’s business is in operation.
  4. Ensure new work sites, alterations, renovations, new work processes, and equipment are designed and constructed so that noise levels are as low as possible.
  5. Post warning signs in any work area where the noise level exceeds 85 dBA.
  6. Educate workers about noise hazards; the selection, use, and maintenance of protective equipment; and ensure that affected workers wear the hearing protection.
  7. Provide audiometric testing for noise-exposed workers at no cost to the worker and schedule testing in keeping with Section 223.
  8. Ensure audiometric testing equipment is calibrated annually and keep calibration records.
  9. Designate a physician or audiologist to review audiograms categorized as abnormal or that indicate an abnormal shift. These records should be retained for at least 10 years.

Question 3

What are the worker’s responsibilities under the OHS Code?

Answer 3

Under the OHS Code, a worker subject to noise management has these responsibilities:

a. to co-operate with the employer in implementing the policies and procedures
b. to wear and use hearing protection equipment in accordance with the training provided by the employer
c. to undergo audiometric testing as part of the noise management program

Question 4

What are the audiometric technician’s responsibilities under the OHS Code, Part 16?

Answer 4

1. Work in consultation with a physician, audiologist, or occupational health nurse designated by the employer
2. Maintain a log book for each audiometer being used.
3. Conduct the tests in a location where background noise levels do not exceed those specified in Schedule 3, Table 3.
4. record the results of the audiometric tests.
5. provide a copy of the test results to the worker.
6. Retain the records of the audiometric tests for a period of not less than 10 years.
7. Ensure that personal medical history information is under the sole control of the person designated under Subsection (2)(a) of the Occupational Health and Safety Code Explanation Guide.

Question 5

If the results of an audiometric test indicate an abnormal audiogram or show an abnormal shift, what must the audiometric technician do? 3

Answer 5

The audiometric technician must do the following:

a. advise worker of the test results
b. obtain relevant medical history information
c. forward results that indicate an abnormal audiogram or an abnormal shift, the medical history information, and a baseline audiogram to a physician or audiologist designated by the employer to receive this information

Question 6

What are the responsibilities of physicians or audiologists when informed of abnormal tests or abnormal shifts? 5

Answer 6

1. advising workers within 30 days when an abnormal test or abnormal shift is confirmed
2. advising employers of the noise management program’s effectiveness (not individual’s results)
3. retaining the records for at least 10 years
4. providing workers’ physicians with test results (after consent obtained)
5. notify the director of medical services of a notifiable disease if the hearing loss is medically diagnosed as noise induced; this is the case when the average hearing threshold level at 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 3000 Hz exceeds 35 dB bilaterally

Question 7

What components should be included in a noise management program? (7)

Answer 7

A noise management program should include these components:

a. an education program for workers that includes training in the use of control measures and hearing protection, and information about the hazards of exposure to excessive noise
b. procedures used when measuring or monitoring worker exposure to noise
c. signage in all work areas where the noise level exceeds 85 dBA
d. identification of noise control measures that should be used
e. the selection, use, and maintenance of the hearing protection devices that are available
f. meeting the requirements for audiometric testing and the maintenance of test records
g. an annual review of policies and procedures to assess the effectiveness of the program

Question 8

How frequently should audiometric testing to be offered?

Answer 8

The frequency of audiometric testing for workers exposed to excess noise must meet these timelines:
• a baseline audiogram must be conducted within six months of a worker having been exposed to noise
• twelve months after the baseline test
• every two years thereafter