Why Test Now?

One quarter of all workers in British Columbia are exposed to noise so loud that it can damage their hearing. Noise is the most common health hazard in industry.

WorkSafeBC (WCB) Regulation requires annual hearing tests for workers exposed to hazardous noise.

BC Noise Exposure Limits (OHS Regulation Part 7)

85 dBA

Maximum daily noise exposure limit averaged over 8 hours (dBA Lex)

140 dBC

Peak sound level limit for impact noises (pile driving, hammering, etc.)

Your Legal Obligations as an Employer

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, when noise exceeds regulated limits, employers must have an effective noise control and Hearing Conservation Program.

7 Required Elements of a Hearing Conservation Program (OHS Reg 7.5)

Noise measurement — measure exposure when workers may exceed 82 dBA
Education and training — inform workers about noise hazards and protection
Engineered noise control — reduce noise at the source where practicable
Hearing protection — provide and maintain CSA-approved protectors
Posting of noise hazard areas — clearly mark areas exceeding limits
Hearing tests — annual tests by WorkSafeBC-authorized technicians
Annual program review — assess and improve program effectiveness

Hearing Test Requirements (OHS Reg 7.8)

Initial hearing test within 6 months of employment start
Annual hearing test at least once every 12 months thereafter
Tests must be administered by a hearing tester authorized by WorkSafeBC
Results must be submitted to WorkSafeBC by the authorized tester

How Loud is 85 dBA?

If you have to raise your voice in your workplace to carry on a conversation, the noise level is likely over 82 dBA — meaning you are required to measure noise exposure.

View sound level examples →

We Can Help You Comply

A.A. Audio Lab provides all the services you need to meet WorkSafeBC requirements — from noise measurement through annual testing and program review.