Noise Surveys
Noise surveys should be performed walking around the workplace to screen for employee noise exposures and to determine if additional monitoring is necessary.
Tour the facility and develop a detailed understanding of potential noise sources.
When screening for noise exposures, it is sufficient to take measurements using a sound level meter, and estimate the duration of exposure. The resulting spot readings can be used to determine the need for a more thorough evaluation using dosimeters. The following general approach may be followed:
- Tour the facility and develop a detailed understanding of facility operations and potential noise sources. Make notes on a diagram of the floor plan if possible. Look for indications that noise may be a problem.
- Use a sound level meter to take spot readings of operations that are in question. It may be useful to mark the sound levels on a diagram of the floor plan. Make notes regarding what equipment is on or off.
- Estimate 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) exposures by identifying workers and their locations, and estimate the length of time they spend in different areas or how long they operate particular equipment or tools.
If the results of the survey indicate an estimated 8-hour TWA exposures of 80 dBA or more, then additional noise monitoring should be performed.
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2-6. What is the purpose of a noise survey?
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