Hearing Protection

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Hearing Protection

Hearing protectors include ear muffs attached to hard hats, ear muffs worn over or behind the head, and ear plugs.  The following are the minimum acceptable requirements:

Must meet the specifications of CSA Standard Z94.2-02, Class “A”, Grade 4.

Must be corrosion-free and able to withstand cold temperatures.

Ear muff pads must be replaceable and made of soft material.

Following are the guidelines for the selection of hearing protection devices and the occupational exposure limits for noise:

Selection of Hearing Protection Devices

Maximum Equivalent Noise Level (dBA Lex)

CSA Class of Hearing Protection

CSA Grade of Hearing Protection

≤ 90

C,B or A

1,2,3 or 4

≤ 95

B or A

2,3 or 4

≤ 100

A

3 or 4

≤ 105

A

4

≤110

A earplug + A or B earmuff

3 or 4 earplug + 2, 3 or 4 earmuff

>110

A plug + A or B earmuff and limited exposure time to keep sound reaching the worker’s ear drum below 85 dBA Lex

3 or 4 earplug + 2,3 or 4 earmuff and limited exposure time to keep sound reaching the worker’s ear drum below 85 dBA Lex

Occupational Exposure Limits for Noise

Exposure Level (dBA)

Exposure Duration

82

16 hours

83

12 hours and 41 minutes

84

10 hours and 4 minutes

85

8 hours

88

4 hours

91

2 hours

94

1 hour

97

30 minutes

100

15 minutes

103

8 minutes

106

4 minutes

109

2 minutes

112

56 seconds

115 and greater

0

All potentially noise exposed employees or full-time contractors shall be hearing tested within six months of starting with Company.  Another hearing test shall be performed within 12 months of the first, base-line hearing test.  Subsequent hearing tests shall be completed every two years thereafter, as long as there is no significant hearing loss detected in the first two tests.  Management is responsible for ensuring these hearing tests are recorded, scheduled and completed according to this standard.  It is the Operations Manager’s responsibility to monitor compliance to this standard.

Noise level surveys shall be completed on all process areas or Company property where the potential exists for workers to be exposed to noise levels exceeding 85 db.  All areas where noise levels exceed 85 dBA will be assessed to see if engineering controls can control noise levels.  If this assessment show engineering controls to be ineffective, then administrative controls such as signs will be used with appropriate signage requiring the use of hearing protection.  The noise level found in each area shall also be recorded on the hearing protection sign.  Again, the Operations Manager shall ensure that these noise level surveys are completed on all existing and any new worksites according to the Saskatchewan OH&S Regulations, and that employees are trained in the proper hearing PPE protection..

If the noise level of a working area is believed to be between 80-85dBA, the worker shall be informed of the hazards of occupational noise exposure and at the request of the worker hearing protectors meeting the requirements of section 99 shall be provided. The employees shall be trained in the selection & maintenance of hearing protectors. Where 10 or more employee’s occupational noise level exceeds 85dBA, a hearing conservation plan shall be developed and reviewed at intervals not exceeding 3 years.