High noise levels can be a health hazard in the workplace. At Royal Roads, we control noise where possible to manage our University Community’s exposure to noise. We also regularly test the hearing of those RRU employees who may be exposed to excessive noise.
Here's some of what we do to protect your hearing:
Noise control
We test noise levels in all work sites such as shops and sheds, as well as noise generated by vehicles and equipment.
The university tries to engineer worksites or equipment so noise levels are acceptable. When doing so isn't possible, we mandate and supply hearing protection to RRU employees.
Warning signs will be posted in areas such as a woodworking shop, where noise levels exceed the 85-decibel (dBa) daily exposure limit. In these areas, hearing protection is mandatory.
Hearing tests
If a RRU employee works in an area of the university where noise levels may be excessive, they'll undergo annual hearing tests arranged by RRU.
Your hearing test will be conducted by a qualified technician who will:
- provide you with the test results
- recommend the proper use of hearing protection
- send your test results to WorkSafeBC
Hearing-conservation program
RRU's hearing-conservation initiatives are audited annually by the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee. The committee can also measure noise levels as required.
The audit reviews:
- best practices for noise measurement
- effectiveness of RRU employee education and training about hearing conservation
- adequacy of our noise-control measures
- type and use of hearing protection
- results of hearing tests
Do you have a concern about noise where you work at RRU?
If you have a concern about the noise, speak with your supervisor or manager.