Noise level measurement in workplaces is quite significant to protect workers who work in industries where they are exposed to loud machinery and equipment. Prolonged exposure to noise has been causing NIHL-an irreversible and permanent damage to the hearing of workers. Stress caused by extra noise reduces the ability to concentrate, which may lead to more accidents. Noise level measurement helps organizations to work within the law and safeguard the health and welfare of their workforce from risks associated with noise. This article explores the reasons for noise-level measurement, how noise level is measured, and the best practices for performing such measurements.
Why Measure Noise Levels?
The workplace noise is a serious health and safety hazard. Workers in industries like construction, manufacturing, mining, and aviation can quite regularly be exposed to unwanted sound levels which, in case of improper management, could cause serious damage. According to Safe Work Australia, long-term exposure to noise greater than 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage, while sudden exposure to noise at 140 dB or more can cause immediate harm.
Apart from actual hearing loss, noise may affect workers’ well-being through increased stress, reduced concentration, and fatigue. More than the required noise levels can also impede communication whereby the employee may lose an important instruction or warning thus increasing the potential for accident occurrence.
By regularly monitoring the noise levels the employer will be able to realize areas of hazard and take proper action so as to minimize workers’ exposure and hence assure their protection and well-being.
Legal Requirements of Noise Level Measurement:
In Australia, under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011, there are strict noise exposure standards that a workplace is supposed to be maintained at. The two important limits on noise include:
- 85 decibels (dB) averaged over an 8-hour workday, or
- 140 decibels (dB) for a peak noise level.
For exposure above these values, the employer is obliged to adopt corrective measures to reduce exposure by either applying noise control measures or providing PPE.
Employers are under obligation to check noise levels in their workplaces periodically with a view to confirming that the above standards are met. Lack of such may also lead to penalties by regulatory bodies and injuries or illness amongst employees due to increased risks, including hearing loss.
Noise Level Measurement Process
Noise level measurement can be defined as the measurement of intensity of sound in various areas of the workplace to determine whether employees are being exposed to harmful noise. The process therefore generally involves a number of steps, including;
1. Identify Noise Sources
Identifying workplace sources that could be generating noise is the first step towards any measurement of noise levels. Sources where high levels of noise may originate include heavy machinery, power tools, manufacturing equipment, and ventilation systems, among others-including vehicles. Secondly, account for both continuous and intermittent sources of noise, and even areas where noise fluctuates throughout different periods of the day.
2. Select the Right Equipment
Noise measurement actually requires specialized equipment, namely sound level meters and noise dosimeters:
Sound level meters measure the intensity of noise at a given instant in a specific location. They are ideal for measuring environmental noise levels or identifying noise “hot spots” around particular machines or workstations.
- Noise dosimeters: Worn by workers, these are worn and measure the amount of noise exposure over the course of a shift. These are really useful in dynamic environments where noise levels vary, providing an accurate assessment of the worker’s total exposure.
3. Carry Out the Measurement
The noise levels shall be measured at several points in the workplace, especially where workers stay for a considerable amount of time or where the main sources of noise are. Since the noise levels usually vary widely during a typical day, the measurements must often be made over quite some length of time.
Noise in terms of the A-weighted decibel scale (dBA) provides a better representation of how the human ear perceives noise, giving greater weighting to those frequencies that are most potentially damaging to hearing. Measurements shall include a consideration of average exposure during an 8-hour period of work along with peak noise exposure.
4. Compare Results to Standards
Once noise levels are measured, they have to be compared with the exposure standards mentioned in the WHS regulations. Where the measurements exceed 85 dB over an 8-hour period or 140 dB for a single noise event, action should be taken to reduce exposure.
5. Apply Noise Control Measures
If the noise levels are more than the threshold limits, then employers are duty-bound to apply control measures so that the exposure of workers is reduced. Certain such measures include:
- Engineering Controls: such as fitting noise barriers, using quieter machinery or fitting soundproofing material.
- Administrative Controls: for example, worker rotation through noisy and quiet work areas or reducing exposure times to noisy equipment.
- Hearing Protection Provider: issuing earplugs or earmuffs when suitable or sufficient noise control is not reasonably practicable.
6. Monitor and Review
Control should be actively and continuously monitored, particularly with any changes that are about to take place in the workplace, such as new machinery being introduced, or changes in work processes. Regular reviews of noise-level measurements are important to ensure that effective control measures remain effective to protect workers.
Best Practices for Effective Noise Level Measurement:
The following should be the practices to be adopted to ensure noise level measurement is appropriate and according to legal standards that businesses should adopt:
1. Hire Trained Professionals
Noise measurement requires expertise in handling equipment. Engaging qualified professionals, such as occupational hygienists, ensures that the assessment is precisely done and according to requirements set by regulators.
2. Perform Assessments Routinely
Noise levels can change over time because of equipment wear and tear, changes in machinery, or changes in processes. Systematic noise assessments have to be repeated to pick up new risks and ensure noise controls remain effective.
3. Involve Workers
Workers are typically the first to know whether a noise problem exists. Involving employees in the noise assessment process and encouraging reports regarding noise concerns will aid in the early identification of hazards.
4. Continuing the Training
Workers should receive training regarding the risks of noise exposure and on proper use of hearing protection. Refresher courses ensure that employees are remembering the noise hazards they may face and continue to take appropriate safety measures.
5. Keep Accurate Records
Employers should keep full records of all noise assessments, recording locations measured, equipment used, and results obtained. Records are very important in comparing changes in noise exposure over a period of time and for regulatory reasons. Conclusion Noise measurement is an important workplace practice which provides an effective way of safeguarding employees against the dangers of too much noise exposure. Noise level measurement, carried out on a regular basis, therefore serves to pinpoint locations which are hazardous to the employees, in tandem with taking action and the introduction of measures for more effective control so as to satisfy the requirements of WHS. The advantages of good noise management do not stop at the protection of hearing; such an action assists in maintaining a safe working environment while enhancing the efficiency of the labor force at the same time. By observing best practice and vigilance concerning noise level monitoring, it would be possible for employers to make their employee’s work environment safer and more comfortable.
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