Be sure to meet the limits

Noise limit legislation is implemented in most countries, although restrictions vary from country to country. In the EU, Directive 2003/10/ECs sets noise limits that employers are obliged to meet. The limitations have been designed to be as comprehensive as possible in order to protect workers against continuous noise as well as short noise peaks.

There are many smartphone apps available to measure the noise level at any given moment. However, to measure the time-weighted average (TWA), or LEX,85 dB (A), over the workday, you need a calculator that takes the person’s total exposure into account. The measuring result can be used as a basis for decision for the appropriate noise-reducing measures or selection of hearing protectors.

Sound-level meter or dosimeter?

To precisely monitor an individual’s exposure to noise, you need either a sound-level meter or a noise-exposure meter, a so-called noise dosimeter. The right choice of measuring device depends on how the worker is exposed to noise during the day.

If you spend most of your day on one particular location, a sound-level meter is a good choice. If, on the other side, you roam around the premises or if you have complex or unpredictable work tasks, a noise dosimeter will generate the best exposure data.

Different measuring methods

To accurately determine LEX,85 and peak sound pressure, measurements must comprise all activities during the day. If the workday includes only a limited number of activities, their average noise levels should be measured one by one.

By determining how long a person is occupied by each activity, LEX,85 can be calculated. If noise exposure varies unpredictably over the course of the day, noise should be measured for the full duration of the person’s exposure.

Sordin can help you analyze sound measurement data and recommend the suitable hearing protector for each individual at your workplace.