Noise measurements

Noise measurements at noisy workplaces are essential for assessing the risk of hearing damage and ensuring compliance with occupational safety standards. These measurements can be conducted using two main methods: area measurements and personal measurements.

Area measurements

Area measurements involve placing sound level meters at various locations within the workplace to monitor the overall noise environment. This helps identify specific areas where noise levels are particularly high and where noise control measures may be needed. By mapping out the noise levels across different zones, employers can better understand the noise exposure patterns and implement appropriate strategies to reduce noise.

Personal measurements

Personal measurements involve using dosimeters worn by workers to measure their individual noise exposure throughout the workday. These devices provide a more accurate representation of the actual noise exposure experienced by each worker, taking into account their specific tasks and movements within the workplace. Personal measurements are crucial for identifying workers who are at higher risk of noise-induced hearing loss and for ensuring that hearing protection is effectively used.

Together, area and personal noise measurements provide a comprehensive understanding of workplace noise levels, enabling employers to take targeted actions to protect their employees’ hearing health.

An occupational hygienist places a dosimeter on a metal worker’s shoulder to measure his individual noise exposure throughout the workday. ^{© G. Tjalvin}

Two metalworkers, each wearing a dosimeter for personal noise measurements. ^{© G. Tjalvin}