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WorkSafeBC

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I go into the business of providing hearing tests?

Under Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 7.8(2), all hearing tests must be conducted by "authorized" persons. To become an authorized hearing test business, called an "audiometric contractor", you must:
    a. have taken and passed the "Industrial Audiometric Technician Training Course" offered only by the British Columbian Institute of Technology, or employ someone who passed this course, and
    b. have a hearing test facility that complies with all of WorkSafeBC's requirements, whether a mobile van or fixed office facility. You will need to submit page 7 to the occupational audiologist (fax # 604 276-3106) as soon as you can.
    c. if you wish to test workers in the construction industry, in addition to the two previous requirements, you must exchange written contracts with WorkSafeBC. In addition, your company must be registered with WorkSafeBC.

Everyone wishing to conduct tests must take the course at BCIT. There is no transferability/equivalency of credentials or accreditation from other jurisdictions or bodies, for example: BCMA, CCOHN, BCASLPA, CASLPA, AIHA, CAOHC, ASHA, NIOSH, NHCA, OSHA, HISS, or another province, state, or country.

Once you have become, or have hired, a certified Industrial Audiometric Technician and have an approved facility, you may have your business posted on the WorkSafeBC website on a providers' list. You may test workers in any region of British Columbia.

The WorkSafeBC occupational audiologist authorizes both the personnel and physical plant required to become an audiometric contractor. For more information contact (604) 276-3090.

Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

How do I get my workers tested?

Employers can set up their own in-house testing facility, send workers to a neighboring firm's testing facility, or hire an approved, private hearing test provider or "contractor". Often contractors have a mobile unit to bring to the employer's worksite and they are prepared to travel around the province. Or workers may go to the contractor's office facility.

Hearing Test Contractors and Facilities Authorized by WorkSafeBC (PDF 66 KB)
List of facilities and audiometric technicians authorized by WorkSafeBC as meeting the minimum requirements for performing hearing tests under OH&S Regulation 7.8.
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

What is the best hearing protector?

There is no single hearing protector that is appropriate for everyone. The CSA Standard on Hearing Protectors provides the following criteria to consider when selecting hearing protection:

  • Worker's noise exposure level
  • Hearing ability of the worker
  • Use of other personal protective equipment
  • Temperature and climate
  • Communication demands on the worker
  • Physical constraints of the worker or work activity

For more information:
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC

* Hear for Good - Preventing Exposure at Work PH9
(PDF 257 KB) (Updated: May 2006)
* Hearing Protection Attenuation - Is more really better?
(PDF 550 KB)
* Working With Hearing Loss - Hearing Impairment, Noise, and Job Safety/Performance (PDF 55 KB)
* Specialty Hearing Protection (PDF 51 KB)
* Hearing Protection (PDF 56 KB)
* Hearing Protection - What do I really need to know? (PDF 78 KB)

Who pays for hearing protection?

The employer is responsible for providing and maintaining hearing protection.

Where can I buy hearing protection?

Safety supply companies are a good source, as they typically carry complete product lines, and will have different models and types of earplugs and earmuffs. Check the Yellow Pages under "Safety Equipment and Clothing" for safety supply companies.

Who requires annual hearing testing?

Workers who are exposed to noise greater than 85 dBA Lex (a full shift averaged exposure) must have an annual hearing test. If you have to shout to be heard at arm's length from a speaker, the noise level may exceed 85 dBA, and noise exposure measurements should be done to determine worker exposures.

For information on measuring noise exposures see:
Source: WorkSafeBC WorkSafeBC
*Occupational Noise Surveys (PDF 678 KB)

What is a Hearing Conservation Annual Report?

Employers who submit hearing tests to WorkSafeBC receive an annual report which includes a list of tests processed, workers overdue for their annual test, and a statistical breakdown of hearing tests into different test categories (PDF 40 KB). (This report is not routinely sent to construction industry employers because of the transient nature of their workforce. However, construction companies can request a report for their firm by contacting the WorkSafeBC Hearing Loss Prevention Section.

Where can I get custom-molded earplugs?

Custom molded earplugs are fabricated from an impression which is taken of the ear. Contact the WorkSafeBC Hearing Loss Prevention Section for information about suppliers of custom earplugs.

How can I be authorized to conduct annual hearing tests?

An Audiometric Technician Training Course must be completed with passing scores on a written and practical examination. In addition, applicants for authorization must be sponsored by an employer under WorkSafeBC jurisdiction or by an authorized hearing test contractor.

How do I get started developing a Hearing Conservation Program for my company?

The booklet Sound Advice PDF (746 KB) will assist in establishing all elements of a Hearing Conservation Program. The first step is to determine whether a program is required, by establishing workers' noise exposures.

Occupational Audiologists at WorkSafeBC can advise and assist you in developing your program.

Why do I need my hearing test card when I work in construction but not if I work in another industry?

Because most construction workers change employers frequently, they carry a hearing test card that allows the technician to compare test results from year to year to look for noise-related changes in hearing. Workers in other industries typically stay with one employer for several years so the employer keeps a copy of previous hearing tests on site.

How can I get copies of past hearing tests?

If you've had hearing tests taken, since 1978, while working in British Columbia, then these tests may be in WorkSafeBC's centralized computer data base. To obtain copies of your tests in the database, please complete and submit this letter of authorization (PDF 29 KB).

What is the approval process for a new audiometric facility or new hearing test contractor?

Occupational Audiologists at WorkSafeBC can assist you with this process. Detailed information can be found in the Hearing Loss Prevention Administration Procedures (PDF 228 KB).



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