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Hearing Loss Prevention Program
Noise Measurement
Measuring workplace noise identifies workers exposed to hazardous noise who require hearing protection, hearing testing and education and training. It identifies noisy areas which must be posted with warning signs, and may identify important noise sources for noise control options.
For more information:
Source: WorkSafeBC 
*Sound Advice - Noise Measurement (PDF 190 KB)
*Sound Advice - Entire Document (PDF 746 KB)
*Occupational Noise Surveys (PDF 675 KB) April 2007
* Basic Noise Calculations (PDF 620 KB) April 2007
*How Do I Know If I'm Exposed to Noise? (PDF 63 KB)
*Noise Survey Project Report March 20, 1997
Education and Training
Employers and workers need information about their noise exposure, the effects of noise on hearing, how to protect hearing by properly using and maintaining hearing protection, and how annual hearing testing is used to monitor hearing levels. See Resources for materials which can be used in an educational program.
For more information:
Source: WorkSafeBC
*Sound Advice - Education and Training (PDF 71 KB)
*Sound Advice - Entire Document (PDF 746 KB)
*The Hearing Video - Information Sheet (JPEG 142 KB)
Engineered Noise Control
The best way to deal with noise in the workplace is to reduce noise at the source with engineering controls such as choosing quieter equipment, enclosing the noise source or the worker, acoustically treating the room, reducing the worker's length of exposure and separating the worker from the noise source.
For more information:
Source: WorkSafeBC
*Sound Advice - Engineered Noise Control (PDF 136 KB)
*Sound Advice - Entire Document (PDF 746 KB)
*Controlling Noise in Industry (PDF 61 KB)
Hearing Protection
Hearing Protection devices (HPDs) reduce the level of noise that reaches the ear, and reduce the risk of hearing loss. Take our "Hearing Protection Quiz" to test your knowledge.
|
Question |
Answer |
|
| Earmuffs are better than earplugs | True | False |
| Users of earplugs get more ear infections than the general population | True | False |
| More protection is always better | True | False |
| One kind of hearing protection should work for everybody | True | False |
| Quiz Answers | ||
For distributors of hearing protection devices check the Yellow Pages under "Safety Equipment and Clothing."
For more information:
Source: WorkSafeBC
*Sound Advice - Hearing Protection (PDF 241 KB)
*Sound Advice - Entire Document (PDF 746 KB)
*Hear for Good - Preventing Exposure at Work PH9
(PDF 257 KB) (Updated: May 2006)
*Hearing Protection Attenuation - Is more really better? (PDF 550 KB)
*Use of Foam Earplugs Instruction Sheet (PDF 137 KB)
BC's Private Sector Privacy Legislation
"BC's Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) came into force January 1, 2004 and sets out how private sector organizations may collect, use or disclose personal information. Public bodies (such as the Workers' Compensation Board) already covered by the BC Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) are not covered by PIPA."Source: WorkSafeBC
PDF (1 KB)
Posting of Noise Hazard
Warning signs must be posted where a noise hazard exists and hearing protection must be worn by all workers in that area.
For more information see:
Source: WorkSafeBC
*Sound Advice - Posting of Noise Hazard (PDF 89 KB)
*Sound Advice - Entire Document (PDF 746 KB)
*Order hearing conservation stickers
Annual Hearing Tests
Hearing tests are conducted annually for all noise-exposed workers. The purpose of the tests is to identify early noise induced hearing losses, before workers notice significant problems.. The tests also detect changes in hearing from year to year that may be too gradual to be noticed. The test results should be explained to workers right after the hearing test, follow up by a doctor may also be suggested, and use of hearing protection should be discussed.
If you want a copy of past hearing tests that may be on file with WorkSafeBC, please submit this authorization document.
For other information:
Source: WorkSafeBC
*List of Hearing Test Contractors (PDF 92 KB)
*Sound Advice - Annual hearing Tests (PDF 288 KB)
*Sound Advice - Entire Document (PDF 746 KB)
Annual Program Review
To ensure its effectiveness the hearing conservation program is reviewed once a year. An important part of the review is hearing test information, which indicates the extent of occupational hearing loss for a particular worksite. The Hearing Conservation Program Checklist (PDF 11 KB) can be used to assist in the annual review.
For more information:
Source: WorkSafeBC
*Sound Advice - Annual Program Review (PDF 165 KB)
*Sound Advice - Entire Document (PDF 746 KB)
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