Businesses undertake noise assessments on a regular basis to establish the degree of noise in the workspace to which their employees are exposed. So every office needs to sound level meter to check the noise level. It is a legal necessity that you take reasonable precautions to guarantee that your employees are not subjected to noise levels that exceed the sensitivity limit.
LAeq of 85 dB (A) or LCpeak of 140 dB is the exposures standard (C). The term LAeq refers to the eight-hour comparable continous A-weighted noise pressure level, which represents the mean noise levels over an eight-hour timeframe. The term LCpeak refers to the C-weighted maximum noise pressure level, which shows the maximum noise emitted during work.
The most common methods for measuring sound levels are to use a noise level meter or a dosimeter. Many corporate owners and managers wonder if they should use a noise level meter or a dosimeter to get the job done. Before we can answer that question, we must first comprehend the context.
Sound/Noise level meters
A sound level meter is a portable noise measuring instrument that includes a microphone. Because the diaphragm of the mic reacts to changes in air pressure caused by radio waves, it is also known as a Sound Pressure Level (SPL) Meter. As a result, a noise level meter can rapidly determine the current sound pressure level (SPL) in a given location.
- Gives specific details about the origin of the noise.
- Assist the company in handling noise-related OHS claims.
- The dosimeter’s findings can be used to demonstrate compliance with state OHS requirements.
- It is simple to operate and does not obstruct the worker.
- The Victorian code of practice recommends this technique.
- The data acquired by the noise level meter can be used to create a noise mapping of the site as well as identify chances to reduce the sound level.
- Both LAeq and LCpeak can be measured and reported on.
- In most circumstances, purchasing or renting a noise level meter is less expensive.
- A noise level meter could be used to assess the volume of a certain circumstance, activity, or equipment operation.
Dosimeters
A dosimeter is a particularly unique noise level meter that is tiny enough to be worn by your employee during the shift. The level of noise exposures will be measured by the dosimeter everywhere your worker travels and does all through the workday. Dosimeters and microphones typically come with a small pin or clip that may be clipped to workers’ shirts. The majority of dosimeters were powered by rechargeable batteries that could be charged prior to deployment.
Benefits of Dosimeter
The normal method is to attach a dosimeter to the employee whose noise levels needs to be reported at the beginning of the period and remove it at the time of discharge. The dosimeter’s output indicates the time-weighted sound exposure for eight hours. The information from the dosimeter would then be transferred to a computer using the program, and specifics about the noise exposure during the day are calculated.
- Measures noise levels with relation to a given worker.
- Assist the company in handling noise-related OHS claims.
- The dosimeter’s findings can be used to demonstrate compliance with state OHS regulations.
- It is simple to use and does not necessitate the presence of a noise assessor throughout the day.
- Because current dosimeters are light and tiny, they may be easily attached to the worker and cause minimal interruption during work.
- When a noise assessor can’t use a noiselevel meter due to a constraint or controlled setting, this device is used.
- Both LAeq and LCpeak can be measured and reported on.