Noise measurement forms the foundation for the entire HCP. The noise survey results are the basis for decisions on reducing risk and taking protective action.
If employees at your company work in noisy areas, start by conducting a sound (or noise) survey.
In New Zealand employers are required to risk manage noise hazards within the workplace whenever employees have 8-hour time- weighted-average (TWA) noise exposure of 85 dBA or more.
Noise surveys can be simple or complex and may be conducted by people on your health and safety team or by a consultant. There are many different types of noise measurement instruments available depending on the type of noise and the purpose of the survey.
Measure noise to answer key questions
Some indications that noise may be a problem in your workplace
Step 1. Perform a walkaround survey
A walkaround survey or “screening” survey can be the first step to knowing where there are noise problems. The purpose is to identify where hazardous noise is present. If noise levels are 80 dBA or more, additional sound surveying is needed.
Step 2. Conduct sound level surveys in noisy areas
A sound level survey is a systematic method for measuring sound pressure levels of specific equipment or tasks, in an area, or near a person. Types of Sound Level Surveys include:
Step 3. Create a noise sampling plan
The results of your basic sound level survey and your observations of how noise fluctuates during the work day can help you develop a plan for how many measurements need to be taken in order to accurately assess the noise exposures in each area and for each task or job description. Generally, more samples are needed when the results of your basic survey are close to the Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL) for noise and when the variability of your noise survey results is high. Fewer samples may be needed if the sound levels in your surveys are well below the OEL and the sound levels are less variable.
Suggested resources to learn more about sampling strategies for occupational noise exposure: “Quantitative Exposure Data: Interpretation, Decision Making and Statistical Tools” in A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures, 4th Edition". AIHA Press, 2015. "The Noise Manual, Fifth Edition". AIHA Press 2003
Step 4. Monitor employee noise exposures
Measuring the noise exposure of employees requires averaging the sound levels over time. Noise exposure monitoring is often included as part of an extensive sound survey. The purpose of noise exposure monitoring is to determine a worker’s 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) or accumulated noise dose over the work shift (personal noise dose). It is also used to measure how noise varies over time according to the job task.
Sound measurement instrumentation should be rugged and reliable and include a software system that detects, measures, evaluates, and reports any occupational and environmental safety hazards.
Sound level meters (SLMs) measure sound pressure levels in real time. At least a general purpose meter (Type 2 microphone) and specific instrument settings are needed for occupational sound surveys. SLMs can be basic or have advanced features and capabilities.
Refer to AS/NZS1269.1 Occupational noise management-Measurement and assessment of noise immission and exposure
Measure and display the sound level in real time. They do not average or store results.
In addition to measuring and displaying the sound levels, advanced SLMs can average, or integrate the sound levels over time. This is an important function because risk of hearing loss and noise exposure limits are based on the average sound levels measured. These SLMs meters may also have special filters to measure impulse/impact noise or octave band filters to divide the sound spectrum into smaller segments.
Personal noise dosimeters are portable devices worn by workers for extended periods of time throughout the work shift. At the end of the sampling period, the instrument automatically calculates the time-weighted average, noise dose, and other important metrics. Regulations require that employers use representative personal sampling when workers move locations frequently and/or when noise levels are variable.
All sound measurement instruments need to be routinely calibrated. It is recommended that instruments be calibrated annually by the manufacturer to ensure the accuracy of the measurement device. Each time a sound measurement instrument is used, it should be checked with an acoustical calibrator, designed for that instrument. The sound level reading should be the same at the beginning and end of each measurement period.
Noise measurement instruments are categorised by Type or Class according to the accuracy of the microphones. Type 2 (class 2) general purpose instruments are designed to be accurate to +/- 2 dB . For most hearing conservation program noise measurements, a Type 2 instrument is considered adequate. A more accurate Type 1 instrument may be used by engineers to conduct detailed noise control surveys but is generally not needed for basic sound level surveys.
There are many apps for mobile phones and tablets that can be used to measure sound. These apps may be useful for teaching employees about sound levels in your facility and demonstrating how sound levels vary by area and task. However, mobile phones and tablets should not be used for conducting noise surveys as part of an occupational HCP unless a Type 2 microphone is used and the calibration of the device is checked before and after each measurement.
The results of a sound level survey depend on the measurement settings used. In Australia and New Zealand, AS/NZS1269.3 specifies the settings be used for compliance.
A-weighting
For hearing conservation, a filter setting on sound measurement instruments, known as A-weighting, is used. When this is done, the sounds that are included in the measurement are limited to a range of sound frequencies where human ears are most sensitive and the risk of hearing damage from noise is greatest.
Slow response
The decibel reading displayed on a sound level meter is an average of the sound level measured over a certain time. For hearing conservation, a slow response setting is used, meaning that the value on the display is the 1-second average that was measured while the instrument is on.
Dosimeter settings
AS/NZS1269.1 suggests a maximum of 5 years between initial and follow-up noise monitoring. Employers are required to do supplementary noise surveys whenever there is a change in processes, procedures, or exposure time that may lead to changes in employee noise exposures. Some companies choose to conduct surveys periodically (eg every year or two) to ensure that all exposed employees are included in their hearing conservation programs.
When employee noise exposures meet or exceed the TWA Action Level (AL) of 85 dBA:
AS/NZS1269 and the relevant goverenment regulations set the 8 hour average Exposure Limit at 85 dBA based on a 3 dB exchange rate for calculating noise dose.
Lower the Limits
Some employers have adopted the lower NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) of 85 dBA TWA and a 3 dB exchange rate for estimating noise dose. As shown, the maximum allowable daily exposure time is much shorter when the NIOSH approach is used. Measuring noise exposure this way may lead employers to implement more extensive noise controls and hearing protection solutions to reduce employee noise exposures.
To learn more about the 85/3 approach to measuring noise exposure and recommended noise measurement methods:
Plan Ahead
Keep noise measurement data current by repeating surveys every one to two years. Repeat noise surveys after implementing engineering controls. Calibrate noise survey equipment annually. Conduct calibration checks before and after each measurement to verify the reliability of the instruments.
Be Thorough
Conduct enough samples to ensure that the noise measurements are representative of the worker’s exposures. This may require a statistical sampling approach. Document areas and jobs that have noise levels and/or exposures that are less than 85 dBA TWA as well as those at or above the action level.
Use Your Results
Create a database of noise survey records that can be easily accessed and maintained over time. Review noise survey results routinely: identify changes in noise levels or job tasks that trigger the need for additional monitoring.
Get Help
Consider contracting with a noise specialist for guidance and detailed survey requests that go beyond the expertise of the employer. Engage workers in identifying noise problems and solutions.
*Noise Exposure Infographic Copyright 3M 2017. All rights reserved
Refer to documents:
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