Ansers to common Questions about Occupational Noise Testing Alberta and BC

​Noise exposure is one of the most overlooked — yet regulated — workplace hazards. Here are the answers to the most common questions WHS receives about noise assessments, legal limits, and employer responsibilities.
❓ When is a noise assessment required in Alberta?
Employers must assess noise levels if there’s a reasonable possibility that workers are exposed to sound levels exceeding 85 dBA (TWA). This is typically required:
  • On construction sites
  • In manufacturing plants
  • Around heavy machinery or HVAC systems
  • Any time when you are standing within 1m of another worker and have to shout to be heard
❓ What are Alberta’s OH&S noise limits?
  • 85 dBA over an 8-hour work shift is the maximum allowed
  • Sound levels above this require hearing protection, annual testing, and a formal noise management plan
Learn more on our Alberta Noise Regulation page.

❓ How is noise measured in the workplace
WHS uses two types of professional assessments:
  • Personal dosimetry: Clip-on devices worn throughout the shift
  • Area mapping: Spot checks at equipment or workstations
We use CSA-compliant methods, which are required by Alberta OH&S and WorkSafeBC and provide full documentation with results.
❓ How often should noise assessments be conducted?
  • When new equipment is introduced
  • If work processes change
  • After renovations that alter noise levels
  • Or every 2–3 years as a best practice
❓ What industries need noise assessments most often?
We most frequently work with:
  • Construction contractors
  • Oil & gas field services
  • Public infrastructure
  • School boards and facility teams
  • Municipal maintenance groups
❓ What’s included in a WHS noise assessment?
  • Personal exposure monitoring
  • Sound level mapping
  • OH&S compliance review
  • Time-weighted average (TWA) calculations
  • Recommendations and reporting
Explore our Noise Assessment Services for more details.
 ❓​Can I use an app on my phone to do a noise assessment?
Answer to question 6
❓ Do you provide services in both Alberta and BC?
Yes — WHS operates throughout Alberta and British Columbia, offering onsite testing, certified consultants, and regulatory support.
 ❓​Can I use an app on my phone to do a noise assessment?
While smartphone apps can give you a rough idea of noise levels, they are not accurate or reliable enough for official workplace noise assessments. Professional assessments require calibrated equipment operated by qualified hygienists to meet regulatory standards and protect worker health.

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📞 Still Have Questions?

Let’s talk. We’re happy to answer your specific compliance needs or schedule an on-site evaluation.

updated May 2025