Employers must ensure that workers are not exposed to a sound level greater than an equivalent sound exposure level ( L ex,8) of 85 dBA (see subsection 139(6) of the Regulation for Industrial Establishments).Employers are to take all measures reasonably necessary in the circumstances to protect workers from exposure to hazardous sound levels. Sound pressure level ( SPL) The intensity of sound measured in decibels. a held note on a trumpet, or the whine of a table saw). The sound can be loud but has a more consistent level than impulse sound (a non-varying sound, e.g. Steady state sound Sound that does not involve a rapid rise and fall of levels, as compared to impulse sound. Although an important part of health and safety management, PPE is considered the last resort of hazard control, used only after engineering controls and administrative controls (or work practices) have been shown to be impractical, ineffective, or insufficient. (Example: hearing protection such as ear plugs or ear muffs). Personal Protective Equipment ( PPE) PPE is equipment worn to minimize exposure to a variety of hazards. Within any one listening environment, there is a good correlation between the physical measure of intensity and the subjective sense of loudness, yet there can be some differences. Loudness Loudness is the subjective impression of the intensity that allows us to place it on a scale going from very soft to very loud, without reference to any physical scale. The sound is often very loud and may have peaks over 115 dB. Impulse sound A percussive sound such as a gunshot or a cymbal crash. Hearing conservation program A program to prevent and control noise-induced hearing loss. A 3 dB exchange rate means that damage is doubled for every increase of 3 dB. Exchange rate A rate, measured in decibels, indicating when the damage done by sound exposure is doubled. Equivalent sound level ( Leq) Equivalent sound level is a measurement of sound over a specified period of time. Equivalent sound exposure level ( L ex,8) The steady sound level in dBA which, if present in a workplace for eight hours in a day, would contain the same total energy as that generated by the actual and varying sound levels to which a worker is exposed in his or her total work day, determined in accordance with a formula that takes into account the cumulative effect of sound pressure level, duration of exposure, and the exchange rate. A-weighting uses an electronic filter that approximates the frequency response of the human ear. dBA A measure of sound level in decibels when measured on the A-weighted network of a sound level meter. A-Weighting see dBA dB (Decibel) A unit of measurement of sound pressure level. Note: The definitions are provided for clarity and guidance only. The following recommendations are intended to help prevent long-term auditory damage to workers, while minimizing impact on artistic standards. This guideline does not address exposure outside of live performance workplaces however, workers are encouraged to consider additional sound exposures as a contributing source of hearing loss. Additional sound exposures may include personal rehearsal time practicing instruments, listening to students playing and listening to personal recording devices with headphones or earbuds. Workers should be aware that activities at a traditional worksite, including in performance, are only a part of one’s daily work-related exposure to sound. Hearing loss due to sound exposure is cumulative. Once the workplace is no longer a construction project, the Regulation for Industrial Establishments ( Reg. 851) applies. The Construction Projects Regulations ( O. Reg. 213/91) apply to load-ins, fit-ups, set-ups, lighting hangs, load-outs, tear-downs and strikes where multiple departments are working simultaneously in the same area where unique installation/removal techniques are in use and where workers may be exposed to hazards from a wide variety of sources. Refer to Section 139 of Regulation 851 ( Industrial Establishments) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act ( OHSA) for the regulatory requirements regarding hearing protection. Carpenters, props builders, electricians, welders, sewers and others exposed to noise produced by saws, nail guns, compressors, sewing machines etc. Staff involved in the construction of sets and costumes may be exposed to dangerous sound levels from power tools and other machinery. The focus of this guideline is sound levels encountered in rehearsals and performances, including music, sound effects, pyrotechnics, gunshots etc. It is a distinctive characteristic of the live performance industry that performers and support staff are critically dependent on their hearing. This guideline is being updated to reflect changes that take effect Jas the new Noise Regulation, O.
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