What is the Difference Between Qualitative vs Quantitative Hearing Protection Fit Testing?
On March 31, 2023, Alberta's government will be implementing changes to parts of the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code.
One significant change involves noise exposure which covers requirements for protecting workers from exposure to occupational noise hazards.
This change means that employers will need to ensure workers are fit-tested for the hearing protection devices (HPDs) they use and wear.
There are two methods for hearing protection fit testing: qualitative and quantitative.
Qualitative hearing fit tests involve the use of a pass or fail screening to decide if an employee's hearing protection is working effectively. This test relies on the person's ability to detect a specific sound through their hearing protection.
Quantitative hearing fit tests, on the other hand, involve the use of specialized equipment to measure the actual amount of sound that is getting through a person's hearing protection. This test provides an accurate and objective measurement of the effectiveness of the hearing protection.
Learn more about how DriverCheck can help you and your business with Hearing Protection Fit Testing by emailing our Program Consultants at ProgramConsultant@DriverCheck.ca or calling 1 (800) 463 4310 (Option #4).
For more information about DriverCheck’s Hearing Protection Fit Testing services visit: DriverCheck.ca/Hearing-Protection-Fit-Testing
Additional Resources:
Now Available in Alberta: Qualitative Hearing Protection Fit Testing!
Benefits of Hearing Protection Fit Testing
New Hearing Protection Fit Testing Requirements In Alberta (Effective March 31, 2023)