Health and Safety A-Z
Topic: Noise
Summary:
Noise is one of the most common workplace hazards. Loud sound, such as that found in many workshops, mechanical rooms and other industrial settings, can result in hearing loss. Lower sound levels, such as that found in classrooms, dining halls and offices, can be annoying, stressful, and interfere with communication.
Sound levels can often be reduced through engineered controls. Noisy equipment, for example, could be located in a separate room or isolated in a cabinet. Carpet (and some rolled floor coverings) tends to be much quieter than hard tile or ceramic floors.
Louder environments (typically 85 dB or more) that don’t suit engineered or other, similar controls, typically require personal protective equipment (ear plugs or ear muffs) and a hearing protection program.
For More Information See:
On Reg. 851, Industrial Establishments, s. 139 (e-laws)
Additional Resources:
Don’t Let Noise Steal Your Hearing, IHSA
Last Revised: December 11, 2015