Effective March 31, 2023, the Government of Alberta implemented the following change to the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code: employers are now required to ensure workers are properly fit-tested for the hearing protection they use and wear in the workplace.

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 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. 

The SDI Group offers fit-testing for hearing protection that meets the updated CSA Z94.2-14 (R2019) standard per Alberta Occupational Health & Safety, Hearing Protection Devices – Performance, Selection, Care and Use. The change to the standard is intended to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. The effectiveness of hearing protection is significantly reduced if the equipment does not fit correctly or is not inserted or worn correctly.

Contact the SDI Group to support your business with Hearing Protection Fit Testing.