Evaluating Exposure to Noise
The first step toward solving any noise problem is to define it.
The first step toward solving any noise problem is to define it.
The easiest way to determine if the level of noise in your workplace might be hazardous is to talk with someone in the noisy area of the workplace. If you can talk comfortably with someone 3 feet away, there is probably not enough plant noise at that position to damage hearing. But if you must shout to be heard or understood from a distance of between 1-3 feet, noise at that position may cause hearing loss, and you should have the sound levels evaluated.
A noise problem in the workplace may be evaluated in using two basic strategies:
- By analyzing the subjective responses of employees who are disturbed by the noise; and
- By objective measurements of the sound levels and comparison of those values with noise regulations or noise criteria generally regarded as applicable to the situation.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-2. Sound levels should be measured in the workplace if _____.
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