Hearing Loss Prevention

1. Policy

Loyalist College is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all staff and students who may be affected by exposure to noise.

2. Purpose

• 2.1 This policy ensures that staff, students and contractors are not exposed to noise levels exceeding the legislated permissible standard.
• 2.2 When potential noise exposure is identified (i.e. through employee reports or workplace inspections), this policy will outline the process for noise mapping and referral for formal noise assessment if levels are found beyond the permissible limit.

3. Scope

This procedure is applicable to all College employees, students and contractors.

4. Responsibility

• 4.1 Supervisors and Managers will:
  • Ensure that noise level testing is performed for work tasks that produce significantly elevated levels of noise.
  • Implement engineering controls to reduce the noise level of processes or equipment that generate noise at or above 85 dBA time-weighted average (“TWA”) based on an 8-hour workday, wherever possible and practical. Examples: equipment baffles/ enclosures, equipment maintenance, acoustic panels, anti-vibration mats, or alternative processes that decrease noise exposure;
  • Post signage in work areas where hearing protection must be worn (when engineering or other workplace controls are not practical);
  • Provide hearing protection for use in areas where signage is posted;
  • Provide training and instruction on fitting, inspection, maintenance and limitations of hearing protection;
  • Communicate and enforce the requirements for hearing protection required for their area of responsibility;
  • In conjunction with Human Resources and/or the Occupational Health & Safety Co-ordinator, maintain records of this program (i.e. noise surveys, training records and content);
  • Ensure staff and students are informed of actual and potential hazards related to their job or workplace, and the controls necessary to reduce their exposure.
• 4.2 The Occupational Health and Safety Coordinator will:
  • Assist the Managers and Supervisors in completion of noise mapping;
  • Coordinate noise level testing and assessments as requested or required;
  • In conjunction with the JHSC, review the Hearing Loss Prevention Program regularly and update as required by legislated standards and best practices;
  • Ensure JHSC worker representatives are aware of noise mapping and assessments so they may be in attendance for testing;
  • Provide guidance to Managers and Supervisors to assist them in complying with the requirements of this program.
  • Maintain program records (noise mapping and assessments, audiometric testing)
• 4.3 The Joint Health and Safety Committee and Safety Representatives will:
  • Review this program regularly and make recommendations to Senior Leadership for the improvement of workplace conditions and safety procedures.
• 4.4 Employees will:
  • Adhere to legislated safety regulations, College and departmental safety requirements, and participate in prescribed training;
  • Use or wear any hearing protection equipment required by the College;
  • Promptly report any defective equipment or contravention of this policy to his/her supervisor;
  • Not operate, use any equipment, or work in a way that may endanger their health and safety or that of any other person;
  • Communicate departmental safety requirements to students in their charge and provide a positive role model for students.
• 4.5 Students will:
  • Adhere to legislated safety regulations and College and departmental safety requirements, and participate in prescribed training;
  • Use or wear any hearing protection equipment required by the College and their instructor;
  • Not interfere with or misuse equipment provided for safety purposes.
• 4.6 Contractors will:
  • Comply with the requirements of this program;
  • Provide their own hearing protection equipment or devices, and wear them when and as required.
• 4.7 Procurement will:
  • In conjunction with requester, ensure that noise level is taken into consideration when purchasing equipment that generates noise.

5. Procedure

• 5.1 Noise Mapping
  • Managers/Supervisors and the OH&S Co-ordinator will perform noise mapping (click here for template) to identify areas of possible concern regarding noise levels. As a general rule, if it is difficult to carry on a conversation at arms-length distance, the noise level may pose a hazard.
  • In areas exceeding 85 dBA TWA, the “hierarchy of controls” (engineering controls, followed by administrative controls, then PPE as a last resort) will be utilized to reduce noise levels;
  • Where engineering controls and other noise reduction measures are not feasible or effective in reducing noise levels below the exposure threshold, then a formal noise assessment by an occupational hygienist will be arranged by the OH&S Co-ordinator.
• 5.2 Signage
  • The College shall post clearly visible warning signs at the approaches to areas where the sound level regularly exceeds 85 dBA. The signage must include, as a minimum:
    • Warning of hazardous sound levels;
    • The requirement for mandatory hearing protection while in the area.
• 5.3 Training
  • In areas that have been posted/signed for mandatory hearing protection, staff and students shall be provided instruction by their supervisor on:
    • The benefits of hearing protection;
    • Types of hearing protection;
    • Why, when, where and how hearing protection must be worn;
    • Risks of removing or not wearing hearing protection;
    • Use, care and fit of hearing protection devices;
    • The health effects of noise exposure and hearing loss;
  • This training must be provided to all new staff and students, with refresher training every 2 years for existing staff (or more frequently if required due to compliance or knowledge gap). Records of training must be maintained by the supervisor.
• 5.4 Selection of Hearing Protection Devices
  • Hearing protection devices must be selected by considering the sound level in the area to the attenuation provided by the equipment, consistent with CSA Standard Z94.2-02;
  • Worker fit and comfort must also be considerations;
  • Hearing protection devices must be used and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions;
  • The following equipment is recommended as a minimum standard:
    • Ear muffs with NNR (Noise Reduction Rating) of 30 dB or higher;
    • Ear plugs with NRR of 33 dB or higher.
• 5.5 Audiometric Surveillance
  • Audiometric testing will be offered to all employees whose job tasks regularly expose them to 85 dB or greater. Testing can be provided:
    • Upon hire;
    • Annually;
    • At termination of employment.

6. Related Documents and Links

• Form A: Noise Mapping Template
• Hearing Protection Signage

7. References

• Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Ontario Noise Regulation: O.Reg. 381/15
• Ontario Ministry of Labour – A Guide to the Noise Regulation under the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• CSA Z94.2-02 – Hearing Protection Devices: Performance, Selection, Care and Use
• Ontario Workplace Safety & Prevention Services: Hearing Conservation/Hearing Loss Prevention