In Ontario there have been a rash of Ministry of Labour orders for Noise Studies targeting small auto shops and small manufacturing shops with around 5-19 employees. These are shops that have never had an inspector walk through their doors and don't know what to say or for that matter what to do.

As indicated in my article in HAZMAT Magazine, permissible noise exposure is dependent on the duration per day in hours an individual is exposed and on the decibel level of the noise they are exposed to. Under the OHSA, WSBC, ISO, EPA, NIOSH, CCOHS, OSHA, CSA and other governing bodies across Canada and North America, maximum decibel levels have been set based on for example 8 hours of exposure.

Excessive noise exposure depends on a number of other factors over and above daily hours exposure limit:
 Loudness of the noise dB
 Duration (frequency) of exposure (outlined above)
 Assessment of noise and determination if it is from a single source or multiple sources
 Personal exposure measurement

If you are unsure of your requirements under the legislation, contact your sectors Health and Safety Association, a local Health and Safety Consultant or your local Ministry of Labour Hygienist.

For regulations governing Canada’s provinces I have provided a few links for you to review:
• CCOHS – Occupational Exposure Limits in Canada outlines the following regulations by province:

• Canada
Canada Labour Code, Part II, (R.S.C. 1985, c. L-2)
Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, (SOR/86-304)
Section 7.4(1)(b)
• British Columbia
Worker's Compensation Act
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (BC Reg 296/97 as amended)
Section 7.2 [B.C. Reg. 382/2004, s.1]
• Alberta
Occupational Health and Safety Code
Section 218; Table 1 of Schedule 3
Also see Tables 16.1 and 16.2 (p.16-9) of OHS Code Explanation Guide
Table 1 and Table 2
• Saskatchewan
Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993 [R.R.S. c.0-1.1, r.1]
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996
Part VIII, Section 113 (1)
• Manitoba
Workplace Safety and Health Act [R.S.M. 1987, c. W210]
Workplace Safety and Health Regulations (Man. Reg. 217/2006) Part 12
• Ontario
Occupational Health and Safety Act [R.S.O. 1990, c.1]
Industrial Establishments (R.R.O. 1990, Reg 851)
Section 139
• Quebec
Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety [R.S.Q., c.2.1]
Regulation respecting Occupational Health and Safety (O.C.885-2001)
Division XV, Sections 130-141
• New Brunswick
Occupational Health and Safety Act
General Regulation (N.B reg. 91-191 as amended)
Part V, Sections 29 to 33
• Nova Scotia
Occupational Health Regulations
N.S. Reg. 112/76
Section 4 (references ACGIH TLVs, as updated annually)
• Prince Edward Island
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Occupational Health and Safety Act General Regulations (E.C. 180/87)
Part 8, Section 8.1 (references ACGIH TLVs, as updated annually)
• Newfoundland and Labrador
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (C.N.L.R. 1165/96)
Section 50 (references ACGIH TLV, as updated annually)
• Northwest Territories
Safety Act
General Safety Regulations (RRNWT 1990, c. S-1, R-028-93 as amended)
Section 30 and 31, Schedule A, Table 1
• Nunavut
Safety Act
General Safety Regulations (RRNWT 1990, c. S-1)
Section 30 and 31, Schedule A and
Mine Health and Safety Regulations, R-125-95
Section 9.19-9.26, Schedule 5
• Yukon Territories
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Occupational Health Regulation (O.I.C. 1986/164)
Section 4

• Ontario Ministry of Labour – Physical Agents outlines the following:
1. The employer shall inform workers about the dangers of hazardous noise exposure and instruct and supervise workers on the proper use and maintenance of hearing protection when it is required.
2. The employer should identify areas where workers may be exposed to noise levels over 90 decibels for sustained periods.
3. The employer should reduce noise levels where possible by using sound barriers, ensuring equipment is maintained or, by other engineering means.
4. Where noise levels cannot be reduced below 90 decibels, appropriate hearing protection should be provided to the workers who are exposed.

Be prepared - check to see if you have to complete a noise study inyour place of business. Don't wait until your local inspector issues an order or worse - a fine!