Noise Monitoring in Calgary – Protect Your Workers and Stay Compliant

Noise hazards are often underestimated until the damage is already done. Unlike a broken bone, noise-induced hearing loss creeps in silently and irreversibly. Once it’s gone, it’s gone — and that’s why regulators treat noise exposure as a serious occupational hazard.

For companies operating in Calgary, where Cascade Safety Solutions provides local noise monitoring services, understanding the technical and legal framework is critical. Let’s break down what it means to protect your crew and stay compliant.

The Regulatory Framework: Alberta OHS Code

Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code sets clear exposure limits:

• 85 dBA (Lex,8): The maximum average noise exposure allowed over an 8-hour workday.

• 140 dBC (Peak): The absolute ceiling for instantaneous exposure.

These aren’t “guidelines” — they’re enforceable limits. Exceed them, and you’re on the hook for corrective action, potential fines, and a reputation hit with clients.

Why Calgary Worksites Face Unique Challenges

Noise exposure varies widely by industry, but in Calgary, three common sectors stand out:

• Construction: Concrete saws, impact drills, and heavy equipment routinely exceed 90–100 dBA.

• Energy (Oil & Gas, Solar): Compressors, turbines, and pile drivers generate both constant and peak noise risks.

• Landscaping: Leaf blowers and mowers may seem harmless but can sustain 85+ dBA over a shift.

The challenge isn’t just the volume — it’s the variability. A worker may be exposed to fluctuating noise levels throughout a day, making “guesstimates” completely unreliable.

How Noise Monitoring Works (and Why Dosimetry Matters)

Here’s what a proper noise monitoring program looks like in practice:

1. Survey the Worksite
   Spot measurements with a sound level meter identify high-risk zones.

2. Personal Dosimetry
   Workers wear noise dosimeters clipped to their collar for a full shift, measuring real-world exposure.

3. Data Analysis
   Results are compared against OHS Code limits. Time-weighted averages (TWA) reveal whether corrective controls are required.

4. Control Measures

   • Engineering Controls: Quieter tools, enclosures, or dampening materials.

   • Administrative Controls: Rotating workers to reduce exposure time.

   • PPE: Hearing protection devices (HPDs) like earplugs or earmuffs, properly fit-tested.

Common Pitfalls Companies Make

• Relying Only on PPE: Earplugs aren’t a magic bullet — they’re the last line of defense, not the first.

• One-Time Testing: Noise conditions change with new equipment, tasks, or crews. Monitoring should be recurring.

• Ignoring “Non-Industrial” Settings: Landscaping, warehouses, and even offices with machinery (like print shops) can cross exposure thresholds.

Why Partner with Cascade Safety Solutions

Noise monitoring isn’t just about compliance — it’s about protecting workers’ long-term health and demonstrating due diligence to regulators and clients. Cascade Safety Solutions offers:

• On-site noise surveys and dosimetry in Calgary

• Clear reporting with actionable recommendations

• Integration with your safety management system

• Support in implementing engineering and administrative controls

Conclusion

Hearing damage is invisible until it’s permanent. For Calgary businesses, proactive noise monitoring isn’t optional — it’s essential. Whether your crews are cutting concrete, running compressors, or mowing for hours on end, you owe them more than just a box of foam earplugs.

At Cascade Safety Solutions, we bring technical expertise and approachable service to help you meet OHS Code requirements and keep your workforce safe.

Book your free 20-minute consult (Microsoft Teams or in-person in Calgary) to discuss your noise monitoring needs or email info@cascadesafety.ca