Worksafe BC Regulation 7.8 states that all noise exposed workers in BC must have a hearing test by an authorized provider within 6 months of employment and every year after the initial test.
WorksafeBC Authorized Industrial Mobile Hearing Testing
Exposure to excessive noise is in fact, the most common industry health hazard as well as being the most difficult hazard to detect. Hearing loss can occur so gradually that you won’t realize it’s happening, yet once the damage is done; it’s permanent as noise-induced hearing loss can’t be cured or improved.
In Industries with hazardous noise, workers are required to take an Annual Hearing Test. This test helps determine if your hearing is being damaged and what can be done to prevent further damage.
With a modern fleet of eight mobiles, a fixed location and pool of certified technicians, Reliable offers a Hearing Conservation Program that’s second to none. Reliable is the Hearing Test provider of choice for all major construction projects throughout the lower mainland. Other clients include BC Hydro, FortisBC, Vancouver Canucks, YVR, Translink and the Cities of Vancouver, Surrey, Abbotsford & Pitt Meadows.
Each mobile can test 2 people simultaneously every 15 minutes (8 per hour) which gives us the ability to test as many as 56 people per hour due to the large size of our fleet. Large clients with hundreds of workers often complete testing in one day by utilizing multiple trucks.
Industrial Hearing Testing Questions & Answers
Who requires an annual hearing test?
Workers who are exposed to 85dBA or greater averaged over an 8 hour shift
As an employer, what are my responsibilities?
- To provide annual hearing tests for workers exposed to 85dBA or greater averaged over an 8 hour shift.
- To provide hearing protection when it’s not practicable to reduce noise levels.
- To maintain, in a manner acceptable to the board, a record of the hearing tests for each worker.
- To review the noise control and hearing conservation program annually to ensure its effectiveness.
- To post warning signs in any work area where noise levels exceed 85dBA averaged over an 8 hour shift and 140dBC at peak sound levels.
- To ensure hearing tests are administered by persons authorized by the board.
- To provide instructions on hearing protection devices and how to use them.
As an employee, what are my responsibilities?
- To wear proper fitting hearing protection in noise hazard areas and in accordance with instructions provided by the employer.
- To show up for annual hearing tests when scheduled.
How do I know if the noise level I’m exposed to is too loud?
- Rule of thumb is if you have to raise your voice to be understood by someone at arm’s length away, then it’s too loud. Please see “How Loud Is It?” section at the bottom of this page for industry specific examples.
- Have an occupational noise survey completed.
Why do we have annual hearing testing?
These annual exams give us the ability to educate the worker on change that has occurred over the past year, review the importance of wearing properly fitted hearing protection and answer any questions they may have. Please refer to Testing Your Hearing How & Why for further information.
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is the name given to ringing, clicking, hissing, buzzing, roaring or other noises in the ears. Please review the following links for more information: Tinnitus & Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
How do I know who’s been tested for my company?
In 2014, WorkSafeBC stopped mailing out the Employer Annual Hearing Test Report. Instead, employers can access that report by signing onto the IAS through worksafebc.com. Upon request we can create personalized databases which aid with ensuring maximum compliance.