NORTHWEST TERRITORIES & NUNAVUT CODES OF PRACTICE In accordance with the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts; and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Personal Protective Equipment HEARING PROTECTION
CODE OF PRACTICE Personal Protective Equipment HEARING PROTECTION NORTHWEST TERRITORIES wscc.nt.ca Yellowknife Box 8888, 5022 49th Street Centre Square Mall, 5th Floor Yellowknife, NT X1A 2R3 Telephone: 867-920-3888 Toll Free: 1-800-661-0792 Fax: 867-873-4596 Toll Free Fax: 1-866-277-3677 Inuvik Box 1188 Blackstone Building, Unit 87 85 Kingmingya Road Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0 Toll Free: 1-866-678-2301 Telephone: 867-678-2301 Fax: 867-678-2302 NUNAVUT wscc.nt.ca Iqaluit Box 669, 2 nd Floor Qamutiq Building Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 Telephone: 867-979-8500 Toll Free: 1-877-404-4407 Fax: 867-979-8501 Toll Free Fax: 1-866-979-8501 Prevention Services Industrial Safety: 867-669-4418 Mine Safety: 867-669-4412 If you would like this code of practice in another language, please contact us.
FOREWORD The Workers Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) produced this industry Code of Practice in accordance with subsections 18(3) and 18(4) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts. The WSCC gratefully acknowledges the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) for information used in the Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection Code of Practice. The Code of Practice applies to all workplaces covered by the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. The Personal Protective Equipment HEARING PROTECTION Code relates to section 4 and 5 of the Safety Act and sections 13, 16, 23, 24, 89, 90, 111 to 117 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. This code is in effect as published in the in the Northwest Territories Gazette and Nunavut Gazette, in accordance with the Safety Acts and Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulations. IN EFFECT DATES: Northwest Territories: June 1, 2015 Nunavut: May 31, 2016 Copies of this code are available online from the WSCC at: wscc.nt.ca or wscc.nu.ca Acting Chief Safety Officer, WSCC Disclaimer This publication refers to obligations under the workers compensation and occupational health and safety legislation as administered by the Workers Safety and Compensation Commission. To ensure compliance with legal obligations always refer to the most recent legislation. This publication may refer to legislation that has been amended or repealed. Check for information on the latest legislation at wscc.nt.ca or wscc.nu.ca, or contact WSCC at 1-800-661-0792. Copyright WSCC
TABLE OF CONTENTS FOREWORD... 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS... 4 WHAT IS A CODE OF PRACTICE?... 5 INTRODUCTION... 6 PPE AND HAZARD CONTROL... 7 REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS... 8 CSA STANDARDS... 10 GENERAL INFORMATION... 12 SELECTION... 13 MAINENANCE... 14 APPENDIX A OHS REGULATIONS... 15 APPENDIX OHS REGULATION WRITTEN PLANS, RECORDS, AND LOGS... 18 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS... 19 4 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
WHAT IS A CODE OF PRACTICE? WSCC codes of practice provide practical guidance to achieve the safety requirements of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts and related Regulations. As per subsection 18(3) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut Safety Acts, For the purpose of providing practical guidance with respect to the requirements of any provision of this Act or the regulations, the Chief Safety Office may approve and issue such codes of practice as he or she considers are suitable for that purpose. WSCC codes of practice apply to workplaces in the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The Chief Safety Officer approves codes of practice for use by all occupational health and safety (OHS) stakeholders. Codes of practice come into effect in each territory on the day they are published in the Northwest Territories Gazette and Nunavut Gazette. Codes of practice do not have the same legal force as the Safety Acts and related regulations. A person or employer cannot face prosecution for failing to comply with a code of practice. However, in legal proceedings under the Safety Acts and related Regulations, failure to observe a code of practice may be a consideration when determining whether a worker or employer complies with the Safety Acts and related Regulations. Employers and workers should follow WSCC codes of practice unless there is an alternative course of action that achieves the same or better occupational health and safety outcomes. Provides practical guidelines. Adapts to individual work sites. May serve as evidence. Should be followed unless there s a better way. 5 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
INTRODUCTION This Hearing Protection code of practice provides basic guidelines to ensure worker safety in the workplace through the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). If workers are at risk for hearing damage in the workplace, the regulations require that adequate measures be taken and workers wear hearing protective equipment to protect them from noise hazards. Definition Personal Protective Equipment means any clothing, device or other article that is intended to be worn or used by a worker to prevent injury or to facilitate rescue Interpretation 111. In this Part, "dba Lex" means the level of a worker s total exposure to noise in dba, averaged over an entire workday and adjusted to an equivalent eight-hour exposure. (dba Lex) Noise is one of the most common workplace hazards. Exposure to excessive noise can damage hearing and impact worker health and safety. The body responds to noise in similar way as to stress, affecting blood pressure, heart rate, hormone levels, and blood cholesterol. Too much noise can make a person feel tired. Hearing loss is permanent. Furthermore, high noise levels interfere with hearing messages and can lead to unsafe situations. Work-related hearing loss is preventable. PPE is equipment worn by workers to minimize exposure to specific occupational hazards such as noise. PPE cannot eliminate the hazard, but can reduce the risk of injury. 6 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
PPE AND HAZARD CONTROL Decisions about PPE form part of the hazard assessment process, the standard work site approach to dealing with potential hazards. There are five basic ways to control hazards. These controls form a hierarchy. Elimination is always the first control to consider. After that proceed down the hierarchy until the control of last resort, PPE. 1. Elimination (remove from the work site) 2. Substitution (replace noisy equipment or machinery with less noisy machinery) 3. Engineering (modify operation to generate less noise: e.g. lubrication, speed, dampeners.) 4. Administration (modify circumstances of exposure: e.g. change production schedule) 5. Personal Protective Equipment (provide earmuffs/earplugs) PPE is not the first protection option. The use of PPE does not prevent accidents or eliminate hazards. Make every effort to control all hazards at the source. When reducing noise exposure, preference is given to engineering controls, then administrative controls. If this is not possible, PPE in the form of hearing protectors reduce the amount of noise reaching the ears. PPE cannot achieve its full-protection potential without worker knowledge and cooperation. Several controls may have to be put in place. Certain hazards may require multiple PPE solutions. For example, working near machinery on the road could require a hard hat, ear muffs, goggles and high-visibility safety apparel. Wearing PPE should not add to the hazard or create a new hazard. Using several types of protection at the same time i.e. hard hat, ear muffs and goggles, should not increase the risk to the worker. PPE design criteria cannot cover all eventualities. Do not use PPE when its usage creates hazards greater than those for which it is designed. Take uncertainties into account when evaluating potential hazards. For more information see the PPE Codes of Practice and the Hazard Assessment code of practice at wscc.nt.ca 7 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
REGULATORY REQUIREMENTS Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Northwest Territories and Nunavut Part 8 Noise Control and Hearing Conservation 112. (1) An employer shall ensure that, if reasonably possible, measures are taken to reduce noise levels in areas where workers may be required or permitted to work. (2) The means to reduce noise levels under subsection (1) may include any of the following: (a) eliminating or modifying the noise source; (b) substituting quieter equipment or processes; (c) enclosing the noise source; (d) installing acoustical barriers or sound absorbing materials Noise Reduction Through Design and Construction of Buildings 113. An employer shall ensure that (a) new work sites are designed and constructed so as to achieve the lowest noise level that is reasonably possible; (b) any alteration, renovation or repair to an existing work site is made so as to achieve the lowest noise level that is reasonably possible; and (c) new equipment to be used at a work site is designed and constructed so as to achieve the lowest noise level that is reasonably possible. Part 8 Measurement of Noise Levels 114. (1) In an area where a worker is required or permitted to work and the noise level could frequently exceed 80 dba, an employer shall ensure that (a) the noise level is measured in accordance with an approved method; (b) in consultation with the Committee or representative, a competent individual evaluates the sources of the noise and recommends corrective action; and (c) a record is kept of the measurements, evaluation and recommendations made. (2) An employer shall measure the noise level in accordance with subsection (1) when any of the following could result in a significant change in noise levels or noise exposure: (a) altering, renovating or repairing the work site; (b) introducing new equipment to the work site; or c) modifying a process at the work site. (3) An employer shall keep a record of the results of any noise level measurements conducted at the work site as long as the employer operates in the Northwest Territories or Nunavut. (4) On request, an employer shall make available to a worker the results of any measurements conducted under this section in respect of that worker. (5) An employer shall ensure that an area where the measurements taken under subsection (1) show noise levels that exceed 80 dba, is clearly marked by a sign indicating the range of noise levels. 8 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
Part 8 Daily Exposure Between 80 dba Lex and 85 dba Lex 115. If a worker is exposed at a work site to noise that is between 80 dba Lex and 85 dba Lex, an employer shall (a) inform the worker of the hazards of noise exposure; (b) on the request of the worker, make available to the worker approved hearing protectors; and (c) train the worker in the selection, use and maintenance of the hearing protectors. Part 8 Hearing Conservation Plan 117. (1) If 20 or more workers occupational noise exposure exceeds or is believed to exceed 85 dba Lex, an employer shall, in consultation with the Committee or representative, (a) develop a hearing conservation plan; and (b) review and, as necessary, revise the hearing conservation plan not less than once every three years. (2) An employer shall implement a hearing conservation plan developed under subsection (1). For more information please see PPE Basics Code of Practice on our website at wscc.nt.ca. 9 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
CSA STANDARDS The Canadian Standards Association develops standards to address needs such as enhancing health and safety. To view CSA standards online see https://ohsviewaccess.csa.ca/ CSA Group test and certify products to Canadian standards and issue the CSA Mark for qualified products. Refer to CSA Standard Z94.2-02, Hearing Protection Devices Performance, Selection, Care and Use. In the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations a CSA reference is written as follows: Identifying Mark of Approved Equipment Safety Acts Occupational Health and Safety Regulations Northwest Territories and Nunavut 23. (1) This section applies in respect of equipment and personal protective equipment that is required by these regulations to be approved by an agency. (2) An employer or supplier shall ensure that the approval of equipment and personal protective equipment by an agency is evidenced by a seal, stamp, logo or similar identifying mark of the agency indicating such approval, affixed on (a) the equipment or personal protective equipment; or (b) the packaging accompanying the equipment or personal protective equipment. 10 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
CAN/CSA-Z94.2-94 CAN/CSA Stands for Canada and the Canadian Standards Association. Z94.2 Lettering between CAN/CSA and the last two digits represent the internal CSA coding of the relevant standard. In this case the coding refers to the standard on Hearing Protection Devices. -94 The last two digits indicate the year issued. Technological and research developments result in regular updates to standards. The end of the CSA reference changes to the year of the update. The current standard for Hearing Protectors is Z94.2-14 - Hearing Protection Devices - Performance, Selection, Care, and Use. This becomes the standard that applies to the regulation. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE MOST UP-TO-DATE STANDARD. 11 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
GENERAL INFORMATION People should wear a hearing protector if the noise or sound level at the workplace exceeds 85 decibels (A-weighted) or db(a). Hearing protectors reduce the noise exposure level and the risk of hearing loss. If hearing protection is required, then a complete hearing conservation program should be instituted. A hearing conservation program includes noise assessment, hearing protector selection, employee training and education, audiometric testing, maintenance, inspection, record keeping, and program evaluation. The effectiveness of hearing protection is reduced greatly if the hearing protectors do not fit properly or if they are worn only part time during periods of noise exposure. To maintain their effectiveness, they should not be modified. Radio headsets are not substitutes for hearing protectors and should not be worn where hearing protectors are required to protect against exposure to noise. Ear plugs are inserted to block the ear canal. They may be premolded (preformed) or moldable (foam ear plugs). Ear plugs are sold as disposable products or reusable plugs. Custom molded ear plugs are also available. Semi-insert ear plugs which consist of two ear plugs held over the ends of the ear canal by a rigid headband. Ear muffs consist of sound-attenuating material and soft ear cushions that fit around the ear and hard outer cups. They are held together by a head band. For more information on occupational noise levels and hearing protection see: Occupational Noise Levels: http://www.wscc.nt.ca/sites/default/files/documents/how%20loud%20is%20it%2c%20english. pdf Foam Earplug Fit: http://www.wscc.nt.ca/sites/default/files/documents/fact%20sheet%20earplug%20english.pdf 12 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
SELECTION The choice of hearing protectors is a very personal one and depends on a number of factors including level of noise, comfort, and the suitability of the hearing protector for both the worker and his environment. Most importantly, the hearing protector should provide the desired noise reduction. It is best, where protectors must be used, to provide a choice of a number of different types to choose from. If the noise exposure is intermittent, ear muffs are more desirable, since it may be inconvenient to remove and reinsert earplugs. Manufacturers provide information about the noise reducing capability of a hearing protector as an NRR (noise reduction rating) number. The NRR ratings are based on noise reduction obtained in laboratory conditions. Select hearing protection that is: Correct for the job. Refer to the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Standard Z94.2-02 or contact WSCC for more information. Provides adequate protection. Check the manufacturer's literature. Comfortable enough to be accepted and worn. Source: Hearing Protectors, Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/ppe/ear_prot.html Reproduced with permission of CCOHS, 2013. 13 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
MAINENANCE Follow the manufacturer's instructions. Check hearing protection regularly for wear and tear. Replace ear cushions or plugs that are no longer pliable. Disassemble ear muffs to clean. Wash ear muffs with a mild liquid detergent in warm water, and then rinse in clear warm water. Ensure that sound-attenuating material inside the ear cushions does not get wet. Use a soft brush to remove skin oil and dirt that can harden ear cushions. Replace a unit when head bands are so stretched that they do not keep ear cushions snugly against the head. Source: Hearing Protectors, Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Reproduced with permission of CCOHS, 2013. 14 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
APPENDIX A OHS REGULATIONS The New Occupational Health and Safety Regulations are in effect in the Northwest Territories as of June 1, 2015 and March 29, 2016 in Nunavut. The Regulations PDF document is streamlined to make it easier to find information relating to specific workplace topics. TABLE OF CONTENTS The Table of Contents available at wscc.nt.ca under OHS Regulations Table of Contents gives an overview of the regulations. The OHS Regulations start with preliminary matters of interpretation and applications. They are organized into Parts to relating to types of requirements, for example, Part 2: REPORTING, and specific workplace topics, for example, PART 18: CONFINED SPACE ENTRY. 15 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
A collapsed view of the table of contents shows the Parts and the numbered regulations sections that fall under each part. PART Section INTERPRETATION 1 APPLICATION 2 PART 1 PRELIMINARY MATTERS 3-6 PART 2 REPORTING 7-11 PART 3 GENERAL DUTIES 12-36 PART 4 COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVE 37-53 PART 5 FIRST AID 54-67 PART 6 GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS 68-88 PART 7 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT 89-110 PART 8 NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION 11-117 PART 9 SAFEGUARDS, STORAGE, WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS 118-139 PART 10 MACHINE SAFETY 140-160 PART 11 POWERED MOBILE EQUIPMENT 161-176 PART 12 SCAFFOLDS, AERIAL DEVICES, ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS 177-204 AND TEMPORARY SUPPORTING STRUCTURES PART 13 HOISTS, CRANES AND LIFTING DEVICES 205-232 Part 14 RIGGING 233-245 PART 15 ROBOTICS 246-253 PART 16 ENTRANCES, EXITS AND LADDERS 254-262 PART 17 EXCAVATIONS, TRENCHES, TUNNELS AND EXCAVATED 263-272 SHAFTS PART 18 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY 273-282 PART 19 WORK IN COMPRESSED OR RAREFIED AIR 283-289 PART 20 DIVING OPERATIONS 290-308 PART 21 CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES 309-321 PART 22 CONTROLLED PRODUCTS AND WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS 322-338 MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM PART 23 RADIATION 339-363 PART 24 ASBESTOS 364-379 PART 25 SILICA PROCESSES AND ABRASIVE BLASTING 380-392 PART 26 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS 393-408 PART 27 EXPLOSIVES 410-414 PART 28 DEMOLITION WORK 415-423 PART 29 FORESTRY AND MILL OPERATIONS 424-444 PART 30 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR ELECTRICAL WORKERS 445-462 PART 31 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS 463-475 PART 32 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR FIREFIGHTERS 476-488 PART 33 REPEAL AND COMMENCEMENT 489-490 SCHEDULES 16 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
Reading the OHS Regulations The OHS Regulations are available for download at wscc.nt.ca. The PDF has a searchable function that allows users to enter a topic and search the entire document for every instance of that word or phrase. Searching the PDF: SHIFT+Ctrl+f Pressing the 3 keys together brings up a window to enter a topic. For example: respiratory Every instance of the word appears in the search window. As you click through the instances in this window, the word is highlighted in the Regulations. 17 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
APPENDIX B OHS REGULATION WRITTEN PLANS, RECORDS, AND LOGS Documenting work activity helps ensure employers, supervisors and workers know and follow safe procedures; properly inspect and maintain equipment; and have appropriate training to perform their work. Documentation required by the Regulations must be written and available to workers at work sites and submitted to the Joint OHS Committee. PLANS RECORDS PART 3 GENERAL DUTIES Occupational Health and Safety Program Plan for the control of hazardous substances Plan for training workers PART 6 GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Exposure Control Plan PART 8 NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING Hearing Conservation Hearing PART 9 SAFEGUARDS, STORAGE, WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS Fall Protection Plan Traffic Control Plan PART 18 CONFINED SPACE ENTRY Entry Plan PART 20 DIVING OPERATIONS Diving Plan Diving Contingency Plan PART 24 ASBESTOS Asbestos Control Plan PART 26 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS Fire Safety Plan PART 32 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR FIREFIGHTERS Plan for Response to Emergency Incident Part 2 REPORTING Annual Statistical Report* Notice of Accident Causing Serious Bodily Injury* Notice of Dangerous Occurrence* PART 6 GENERAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Cleaning and Maintaining Ventilation System PART 8 NOISE CONTROL AND HEARING CONSERVATION Measurement of Noise Levels Daily Exposure Exceeding 85 dba Lex PART 9 SAFEGUARDS, STORAGE, WARNING SIGNS AND SIGNALS Designated Signalers Locking Out PART 11 POWERED MOBILE EQUIPMENT Inspection and Maintenance PART 12 SCAFFOLDS, AERIAL DEVICES, ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS AND TEMPORARY SUPPORTING STRUCTURES Maintenance and Inspection 18 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection PART 13 HOISTS, CRANES AND LIFTING DEVICES Log Book PART 20 DIVING OPERATIONS Diver s Personal Log PART 21 CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL SUBSTANCES Precautions for Certain Substances PART 23 RADIATION Records of Dose PART 24 ASBESTOS Inspection Labelling and Placarding Blasting Enclosures PART 26 FIRE AND EXPLOSION HAZARDS Flammable or Explosive Substance in Atmosphere Hot Work PART 31 ADDITIONAL PROTECTION FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS Ethylene Oxide Sterilizers * Employer must submit to the Chief Safety Officer and provide copies to the Joint OHS Committee, removing names of the workers from the document. See Part 2 of the OHS Regulations for other reporting requirements.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The Workers Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) of the Northwest Territories and Nunavut appreciate the participation of their stakeholders with Occupational Health and Safety developments. If you have any questions or comments, please contact Prevention Services at 867-920-3820. Related publications and the Safety Acts and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations are also available on our websites: wscc.nt.ca wscc.nu.ca 19 Code of Practice Personal Protective Equipment Hearing Protection
CODE OF PRACTICE Personal Protective Equipment HEARING PROTECTION