What is an Acoustic
Consultant?
We've all walked past a
construction site or noisy industry where we have been subjected to an
irritating level of noise. In Ontario there are regulations that businesses
must adhere to when it comes to producing noise. These regulations are in place
to protect the workers and the nearby community from continued exposure to excessive
noise and vibrations. Companies that do not adhere to the explicit regulations
can be punished with costly fines.
Businesses that operate in large
facilities with heavy equipment tend to produce noisy environments. There can
be considerable problems that occur when the workplace environment subjects their
own employees to consistent levels of noise that exceed those allowed in
Ontario.
Why is an Acoustic
Consultant Necessary?
Large manufacturing companies,
engineering companies and other types of industrial facilities are especially
susceptible to high levels of noise pollution. The heavy machinery that is used
can potentially produce levels of noise and vibrations that can have negative
effects on employees as well as nearby schools, hospitals and other buildings.
Acoustic consultants are highly
skilled and experienced in completing the assessments necessary to acquire ECA
approvals. These assessments include:
-
Primary Noise Screening;
-
Secondary Noise Screening;
-
Abbreviated Acoustic Assessment
Reports;
-
Detailed Acoustic Assessment
Reports; and
-
Acoustic Audits in Support of
Ministry of the Environment Applications for ECA.
ECA approvals are one of the
major reasons for hiring an acoustic consultant. This approval is necessary for
the business to operate legally in Ontario. The other types of noise testing
are important to ensure that the levels of noise will not cause lasting damage
to employee hearing that could result in complaints or lawsuits. Noise testing
should be a part of any company's due diligence on behalf of industry to
minimize risks and provide a safe workplace environment.
Acoustic consultants are also skilled at creating Noise
Abatement Plans to rectify non-compliance at any point around the facility.
Securing ECA Approval
Noise audits can be an important
aspect of an application for an ECA approval. There are other tests and assessments
that may be performed in order to receive the
Ministry of the Environment
certification that is necessary for an ECA approval.
An environmental consulting
company will provide access to acoustic consultants and other professionals who
will work together to ensure the proper assessments are in order to receive an ECA
approval in a timely fashion.
Some environmental consulting companies place an emphasis on
building business relationships with clients. These companies will often be
more willing to travel to you for a consultation regardless of where you are
located in the Greater Toronto Area.