As the need for audiometric testing steadily grows, many businesses are looking to find more information about this interesting topic. One of the questions on the top of their minds is, “what is the regulatory standard for hearing testing in the trades?” As long-time proponents of hearing health and testing, we couldn’t be happier to provide information on this, which we do below.
Provincial Legislation
Alberta
Within Alberta, all safety legislation falls under the purview of Occupational Health and Safety. Three documents offer information about this legislation and audiometric testing, namely the OHS Act, Regulation and Code. For specific information about noise exposure, refer to Part 16 of the Code.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, five documents are essential to the understanding of audiometric testing and safety at the workplace. These documents are:
- Workers Compensation Act (B.C.) excerpts and summaries (Act)
- Hazardous Products Act (Canada) summaries (HPA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)
- Prevention Manual (policies)
- OHS Guidelines
For specific information about noise exposure, refer to the OHS Guidelines, Division 1 -Noise Exposure.
Saskatchewan
In Saskatchewan, health and safety standards operate under The Workers’ Compensation Act, 2013, together with The Workers’ Compensation General Regulations, 1985 and The Workers’ Compensation Miscellaneous Regulations. For links to downloadable versions of these resources, consult this page on their website. Information specifically related to audiometric testing can be found in POL 11/ 2012 of the policy and procedure manual.
Related, Relevant Standards
Although government legislation is often the first place to look for information regarding safety information, it is far from the only location. Indeed, many regulations refer to additional standards and documents that further describe and explain the intention of certain standards. You can see a list of these documents related specifically to audiometric testing down below.
ANSI Standards
- S1.25-1991 (R2002), Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters
- S1.4-1983 (R2006), Specification for Sound Level Meters
- S1.43-1997 (R2002), Specifications for Integrating-Averaging Sound Level Meters
- S3.6-2004, Specification for Audiometers
CSA Standards
- Z94.2-14, Hearing Protection Devices — Performance, Selection, Care, and Use
- Z107.56-06, Procedures for the Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure
- CAN/CSA-Z321-96 (R2006), Signs and Symbols for the Workplace
IEC Standards
- 61672-1 (2002), Electroacoustics – Sound Level Meters – Part 1: Specifications
- 61672-2 (2003), Electroacoustics – Sound Level Meters – Part 2: Pattern evaluation tests
Talk to the Audiometric Testing Experts Today
Still want to know more about audiometric testing? We would be more than happy to answer all your questions and concerns, so contact us today!
Rocky Mountain Mobile Hearing Testing is your locally owned and operated Calgary business. We are committed to providing mobile hearing testing services and other safety tests, to numerous industries and companies in Western Canada. Our services are part of the WorkSafeBC Provider Network, while our sound booths are approved by the CSA. We offer audiometry testing, mask fit testing, custom earplugs, noise measurements, help with implementing a hearing conservation program, and spirometry testing. If you want to improve your workplace, leave it in the hands of our team. Contact us today on (403) 399-4775.
