From alarms to water pumps and everything in between, we’ve studied countless workplace noise and vibration sources. We have extensive experience conducting occupational noise assessments, and know how to measure, evaluate, and communicate workplace noise according to provincial and federal regulations. Our experts can help you protect your workers, choose effective mitigation, and meet safety requirements.
Noise Exposure Analysis and Mitigation: Industrial Sites
Fibreco
North Vancouver, BC
During our occupational noise survey at Fibreco’s export terminal, we identified areas where noise could reach hazardous levels (often due to railcar and conveyor noise) and assessed, according to CSA standards, potential noise exposure for workers. We developed noise contour maps to communicate the noisy areas and recommended installing signage and using hearing protection.
New Afton Mine
Kamloops, BC
To assess occupational noise exposure, we performed detailed measurements throughout the mine’s mill building, which was slated for renovations, and produced noise contour maps that showed areas where noise could reach hazardous levels in the building, before and after renovations.
Teck Resources – Trail Operations
Trail, BC
We conducted a noise survey of areas where workers were using double hearing protection. The areas were originally identified by Teck in 2011 and our study confirmed the noise hazard in these areas. We developed noise maps to document the noise exposure and identify areas where mitigation would be cost effective and feasible.
Prince Rupert Grain Terminal
Prince Rupert, BC
We conducted a site survey to establish existing noise exposure levels throughout the facility, measuring and assessing noise sources such as electrical motors, conveyors, cyclone fans, compressors, railcars, locomotives, etc. After completing the occupational noise survey, we made recommendations for hearing protection.
Cascadia Grain Terminals Occupational Noise and Vibration Assessment
Vancouver, BC
After performing a comprehensive noise and vibration survey throughout the terminal’s pellet mill, we provided a noise management plan and made detailed recommendations to control vibration exposure for workers.
Neptune Bulk Terminals
North Vancouver, BC
For this occupational noise assessment, we performed periodic noise exposure surveys throughout the terminal facilities and assessed noise exposure levels according to WorkSafeBC regulations. We also developed noise management recommendations and presented them to stakeholders.
Neptune Bulk Terminals, North Vancouver, BC
Noise Exposure Analysis and Mitigation: Government Facilities
FortisBC – Atchelitz Station
Chilliwack, BC
We studied noise exposure levels of workers at FortisBC’s Atchelitz gas gate station. We visited the site and measured noise levels inside and outside. Using WorkSafeBC’s OHS guidelines, we made recommendations to limit exposure times, use hearing protection, and install acoustical treatment where feasible.
RCMP Firing Ranges
Ottawa, ON; Regina, SK; Chilliwack BC
We conducted an occupational health and safety assessment for employees exposed to live gunfire at RCMP indoor firing ranges in BC, Saskatchewan, and Ontario. Our assessment studied 83 different types of gunfire events, determined daily exposure limits, and assessed compliance with occupational regulations in each jurisdiction. We provided a detailed review of potential hearing protection devices and made recommendations to investigate engineered noise control options, including treatment to reduce reverberation.
Translink
Vancouver, BC
We visited TransLink’s Vancouver Transit Centre and studied the noise emissions of four types of bus: battery electric, hybrid, diesel, and trolley. We measured interior and exterior levels at idle, acceleration, and cruising, with the AC on and off and shared the data with TransLink.
Vancouver Police Department (VPD) Traffic Enforcement Officers
Vancouver, BC
We assessed noise exposure levels of VPD motorcycle officers, who can experience high levels of noise from the motorcycle engine, traffic, radio, horn and siren, and wind. Since the officers wear helmets, we used a Bruel & Kjaer head and torso simulator to determine the effects of the helmet on noise exposure and found it increased noise levels. We made recommendations to accord with WorkSafeBC’s guidelines and suggested using helmets with built-in hearing protection.
Wastewater Treatment Plans
Greater Vancouver, BC
Partnering with dBA Noise Consultants, we conducted noise surveys at all five existing wastewater treatment facilities operated by Greater Vancouver Sewage and Drainage District: Langley, Lionsgate, Lulu Island, Annacis Island, and Iona Island. The study identified areas where, according to WorkSafeBC standards, noise exposure is a potential hazard.
After analyzing data collected during the survey, we produced noise maps for each of the sites to graphically document noise levels and calculated noise exposures of relevant workers according to WorkSafeBC requirements. The graphical maps helped identify risk areas of high noise exposure where adding signage, requiring hearing protection, and developing a hearing conservation plan that accords with the BC Workers Compensation Act would be required.
Noise Exposure Analysis and Mitigation: Commercial and Recreational Facilities
BC Hydro – Strathcona Dam
Campbell River, BC
To determine the potential for noise-induced hearing loss from exposure to the dam’s spillway alarm, we visited the site and assessed noise levels from the alarm, a repurposed air-raid siren, and shared our findings with BC Hydro.
Hard Rock Casino
Coquitlam, BC
We measured noise from live music in the theatre and surrounding gaming area, as well as chillers in the mechanical room, to assess the potential noise risk for casino employees. To meet WorkSafeBC’s criteria, we recommended the casino control noise and reverberation from the live music and chillers, and provide hearing protection to staff. We also suggested they rotate staff through quieter work areas to limit exposure.
Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver, BC
When the Vancouver Aquarium opened a new stingray exhibit, employees raised concerns about noise from the waterfall and water pumps. Using lapel-mounted dosimeters and handheld sound meters, we measured the daily noise exposure levels of employees. Next, we analyzed the data collected during our survey and made recommendations to meet WorkSafeBC’s noise exposure criteria. We also assessed reverberation, which affects the overall noise level, and provided mitigation options for the exhibit area.