Question

A noise survey was conducted to assess a worker’s noise exposure for the purposes of determining compliance with the ACGIH noise TLV. What is the type of instrument and instrumental settings required for this survey?

Answer 1

Solution:

The most common instruments used for measuring noise are the sound level meter(SLM),the integrating sound level meter(ISLM), and the noise dosimeter.

The need for measuring the employees noise exposure arises when noise survey indicates the possibility that the employees may be exposed to noise exceeding the noise explosure limits set by noise regulations or the limits set by the company . Personal noise exposure of employees is measured using a noise dosimeter.

The dosimeter is worn by the employee during the entire or part of the shift. There is no need that the employee be attended by the person responsible for taking the noise measurement.

Tips: 1) inform the employees about the purpose of measurement.

2) Explain the importance of the accuracy of noise data in assessing the need for noise control.

3) Emphasize the importance of the accuracy of noise data in assessing the need for noise control.

4) Emphasize the importance of wearing it all the time during the measurement period.

The ISLM can be used to measure equivalent noise level averaged over the measurement period which could be several minutes , a few hours or an entire work shift. In this respect it is similar to a dosimeter used as area monitor. An ISLM does not provide personal exposure level because it is not worn on person. It gives equivalent sound level at a particular location. The ISLM uses a pre programmed exchange rate , with a time constant that is equivalent to SLOW setting on the SLM