We offer three basic types of occupational noise surveys:

1. Sound Level Survey - Categorizes Noise Sources
2. Noise Dosimetry - Measures Worker Exposure
3. Noise Control Survey - Frequency & Octave Band Analysis for Engineering Controls.
   

There are a variety of services to suit your budget.

• Most economical, and a good start!
• If the operation is small, this does not require a whole day on site
• Results indicate the possibility of overexposure to noise
• Noise is measured with a sound level meter (A-scale, some C-scale readings); We use integrating, data logging, sound level meters
• Noise is measured at various locations, job functions, & tasks; often, noise maps are prepared
• Survey tells us who might be overexposed, and where warning signs are required for noisy equipment
• This survey gives an idea of the effectiveness of hearing protectors or administrative controls, but it is not as accurate as noise dosimetry

• More expensive than a basic sound level survey
• Always requires full-shift or close to full shift sampling
• Noise dosimetry should always be accompanied by a sound level survey (to give the best recommendations)
• Noise exposure is measured with a noise dosimeter worn by the worker during the shift
• Measures individual worker exposure to noise (integrates and weights all noise exposure over the whole shift)
• Used to determine legal compliance with government noise regulations
• With this information, the effectiveness of hearing protectors (plugs or muffs) can be determined
• Important to know what the worker was doing for the day in order to properly interpret the noise dosimeter results

Page from Noise Report

• Noise is measured with an octave band analyzer (frequency analyzer).
• These type of measurements are needed for engineering noise controls (actually reducing the sound levels rather than simply issuing hearing protectors)
• We must measure noise frequencies to recommend effective engineering controls
• This is because the type of engineering controls for low & high frequency noise are different
• Higher frequency noise is more damaging to the hearing mechanism), BUT,
• Higher frequency noise may be easier to control.

• Noise contour mapping can be done around noisy equipment
• This type of measurment is more costly than an average sound level survey
• This is not necessary for sound level surveys for worker exposure assessment
• It is helpful for fixed equipment when assessing engineering controls.

We develop Hearing Conservation Programs. A written hearing conservation program (noise management program) is required by provincial & federal governments if a company has noise exposed workers. According to Alberta Workplace Health & Safety legislation, if there are noise exposed workers, the employer is required to evaluate the use of engineering controls first. Hearing protection should used as the last resort. A common myth is that hearing protection will always protect workers.

The fit of ear plugs is important. Ear plugs now come in various sizes. The fit can be quantitatively tested using special machines. This will lessen the liability associated with WCB claims. The company should show due diligence by:

- measuring the noise exposure,

- making engineering or admin changes where possible,

- ensuring that ear plugs fit,

- provide hearing tests for noise-exposed workers.