NOISE TESTING & CONSULTING SERVICES
Noise Exposure Assessments. Noise Testing & Monitoring.
Noise Exposure Experts Serving Clients Across Alberta, B.C & Saskatchewan.
Noise is present in many workplaces, but being exposed to too much can cause permanent and irreversible damage to workers. Noise monitoring will indicate the potential risks to workers, identify areas with high levels and identify employees required to be on a noise conservation program. Assessments usually involve Noise Mapping and Noise Dosimetry.
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Creating Safe & Healthy Working Spaces Through Testing & Monitoring
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Production Areas
Noise exposure assessments, noise level testing, and noise level monitoring are important parts of any workplace safety program. We'll work with you to provide our services as needed, and help you implement a noise monitoring and mitigation program. Reach out to us.
Equipment Environments
Noise exposure assessments, noise level testing, and noise level monitoring are important parts of any workplace safety program. We'll work with you to provide our services as needed, and help you implement a noise monitoring and mitigation program. Reach out to us.
Operating Plant Environments
Noise exposure assessments, noise level testing, and noise level monitoring are important parts of any workplace safety program. We'll work with you to provide our services as needed, and help you implement a noise monitoring and mitigation program. Reach out to us.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Noise Exposure Testing & Monitoring
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Noise Assessments & How They Relate To Workplace Safety & Occupational Hygiene
Noise - Occupational & Industrial Hygiene Testing & Monitoring
Noise assessments are a critical component of occupational and industrial hygiene testing and monitoring. They involve evaluating the levels of noise in a workplace environment to ensure they do not exceed safe limits. By identifying areas where noise levels are high, implementing control measures, and monitoring the effectiveness of these measures, noise assessments help maintain healthy workspaces and protect employees from the harmful effects of excessive noise exposure.
Importance of Noise Assessments
Health Implications:
- Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to high noise levels can lead to permanent hearing loss, which is one of the most common occupational illnesses.
- Tinnitus: Continuous exposure to loud noise can cause tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ears.
- Stress and Fatigue: Excessive noise can lead to increased stress levels, fatigue, and decreased productivity. It can also contribute to more serious health conditions like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
- Many countries have regulations that mandate maximum permissible noise levels in workplaces. For instance, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the United States sets permissible exposure limits for noise.
- Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal requirement but also a moral obligation for employers to ensure a safe working environment.
Productivity and Efficiency:
- High noise levels can disrupt communication, leading to misunderstandings and mistakes. This is particularly critical in environments where precise communication is essential for safety and efficiency.
- Reducing noise can improve concentration, reduce errors, and enhance overall workplace productivity.
Workplace Safety:
- Noise can mask warning signals and alarms, increasing the risk of accidents and injuries.
- By reducing noise levels, employees can remain more alert to potential hazards, thereby enhancing overall workplace safety.
Components of Noise Assessments
Noise Monitoring:
- Sound Level Meters: These devices measure the intensity of noise in decibels (dB). They are used to take spot measurements of noise levels in different areas of the workplace.
- Dosimeters: Worn by workers, these devices measure the cumulative noise exposure over a work shift, providing a more comprehensive assessment of noise exposure.
Noise Mapping:
- Noise mapping involves creating a visual representation of noise levels in different areas of the workplace. This helps identify hotspots where noise levels are particularly high and require intervention.
Identifying Noise Sources:
- It is essential to pinpoint the sources of excessive noise, which could include machinery, equipment, or specific processes. Identifying the sources allows for targeted noise control measures.
Implementing Control Measures:
- Engineering Controls: These include modifying or replacing equipment, adding sound barriers, and implementing noise-dampening materials to reduce noise at the source.
- Administrative Controls: These involve changing work practices to reduce noise exposure, such as rotating workers to limit their time in noisy environments.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): When engineering and administrative controls are not sufficient, providing workers with hearing protection devices like earplugs or earmuffs is essential.
Maintaining Healthy Workspaces
Regular Monitoring and Re-assessment:
- Continuous monitoring and periodic reassessment of noise levels ensure that control measures remain effective and any changes in the workplace environment are addressed promptly.
Employee Training and Awareness:
- Educating employees about the risks associated with noise exposure and the importance of using hearing protection is crucial. Training should also include proper usage and maintenance of PPE.
Health Surveillance:
- Regular hearing tests (audiometry) for workers exposed to high noise levels help detect early signs of hearing loss and take preventive actions.
Book A Noise Assessment Today
Noise assessments are an indispensable part of occupational and industrial hygiene testing and monitoring. They help identify harmful noise levels, implement effective control measures, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. By maintaining acceptable noise levels in the workplace, employers can protect employees’ health, improve productivity, and enhance overall workplace safety. Regular noise assessments, combined with ongoing monitoring, employee training, and health surveillance, form the backbone of a robust workplace safety program aimed at minimizing the adverse effects of noise exposure.