Different Instruments To Measure Noise Exposures

Noise Survey Instruments

Basically, there are two different instruments to measure noise exposures: the sound level meter and the dosimeter.

Sound Level Meter (SLM)

Sound Level Meter (SLM)

A sound level meter is a device that measures the intensity of sound at a given moment. Since sound level meters provide a measure of sound intensity at only one point in time, it is generally necessary to take a number of measurements at different times during the day to estimate noise exposure over a workday. If noise levels fluctuate, the amount of time noise remains at each of the various measured levels must be determined.

Sound level meters can be used to:

  • Spot-check noise dosimeter performance.
  • Determine the employee’s noise dose whenever use of a noise dosimeter is unavailable or inappropriate.
  • Identify and evaluate individual noise sources for abatement purposes.
  • Aid in determining the feasibility of engineering controls for individual noise sources.
  • Evaluate hearing protectors.

Noise Dosimeter

Noise Dosimeter

A dosimeter is like a sound level meter except that it stores sound level measurements and integrates these measurements over time, providing an average noise exposure reading for a given period of time, such as an 8-hour workday.

Dosimeters can be used to:

  • Make compliance measurements according to OSHA’s noise standard.
  • Measure the employee’s exposure to noise and automatically compute the necessary noise dose calculations.

With a dosimeter, a microphone is attached to the employee’s clothing and the exposure measurement is simply read at the end of the desired time period. A reader may be used to read out the dosimeter’s measurements. Since the dosimeter is worn by the employee, it measures noise levels in those locations in which the employee travels.

About Waqar Ali

My name is Waqar and I am a Health and Safety Advisor at Laing O'Rourke, one of the leading construction companies in the UK. I have always been passionate about safety and have pursued a career in this field to make a positive impact on people's lives.

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