As of June 16, 2023, Quebec has revised its occupational hygiene exposure requirements for noise exposure in an establishment and construction sites. Previously, the exposure limits were set at 90 dBA for 8 hours of work and have been updated to 85 dBA for 8 hours of work. In addition, workers should never be exposed to sound levels above 140 dBC, regardless of duration. The Regulation Respecting Occupational Health and Safety, CQLR c S-2.1, r 13 (RROHS) and the Safety Code for Construction Work c S-2.1, r 4 (SCCW) has been updated to reflect these changes.
The new 85 dBA limit now aligns with most jurisdictions in Canada, outside of the Federal limit of 87 dBA. The following table outlines the regulatory limits in Canada:
| Jurisdiction (federal, provincial, territorial) | Continuous Noise | Impulse / Impact Noise |
| Maximum Permitted Exposure Level for 8 Hours: dB(A) | Exchange Rate dB(A)
| Maximum Peak Pressure Level dB(peak) | Maximum Number of Impacts |
| Canada (Federal) | 87 | 3 | – | – |
| British Columbia | 85 | 3 | 140 | – |
| Alberta | 85 | 3 | – | – |
| Saskatchewan | 85 | 3 | – | – |
| Manitoba | 85 | 3 | – | – |
| Ontario | 85 | 3 | – | – |
| Quebec | 85 | 3 | 140 | – |
| New Brunswick | 85 | 3 | 140 | – |
| Nova Scotia | 85 | 3 | 140 | – |
| Prince Edward Island | 85 | 3 | – | – |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 85 | 3 | 140 | – |
| Northwest Territories | 85 | – | 140 | 100 |
| Nunavut | 85 | – | 140 | – |
| Yukon Territories | 85 | 3 | 140 | 90 |
Facilities are required to determine sources of noise that will likely exceed the noise exposure limits and implement controls where feasible to reduce or eliminate exposure. The following figure demonstrates the hierarchy of controls to reduce noise.
The key to understanding the potential for exposure at your facility is to conduct a thorough noise assessment of employee noise exposure as well as equipment and process noise exposure.
Trinity Consultants can support your facility to remain compliant within any jurisdiction within Canada by outlining a noise assessment plan, implementing the plan, measuring the noise exposure and significant sources at your facility, and assisting with mitigation options/noise exposure training course. Trinity can help design, implement, and maintain your occupational noise program.
