Having a current Occupational Noise Survey identifies which employees require an annual hearing test, hearing protection, education and training. It will also aid in determining the proper NRR rated hearing protection to be worn for those employees.
Employers are responsible for knowing which workers are overexposed to noise. The regulated limit set by the WorkSafeBC for noise exposure in B.C. is 85 decibels (dBA) for an eight-hour period, or an equivalent noise exposure of one Pascal-squared hour (Pa2h). For impact noises (for example, pile driving or hammering), a 140 dBC peak sound level cannot be exceeded.
How loud is 82 dBA? If you have to raise your voice in your workplace to carry on a conversation, then the noise level is likely over 82 dBA.
Employers are responsible for knowing which workers are overexposed to noise. The regulated limit set by the WorkSafeBC for noise exposure in B.C. is 85 decibels (dBA) for an eight-hour period, or an equivalent noise exposure of one Pascal-squared hour (Pa2h). For impact noises (for example, pile driving or hammering), a 140 dBC peak sound level cannot be exceeded.
How loud is 82 dBA? If you have to raise your voice in your workplace to carry on a conversation, then the noise level is likely over 82 dBA.
Sound Advice WorkSafeBC Booklet
Other Resources
| Typical Sound Levels |
| Construction Industry noise levels |
| Logging Industry noise levels |
| Off the job noise levels |
| Municipality noise levels |
