Sound Level Surveys

Whether its power tools, equipment, compressed air, process machinery or just banging things together, workers are often exposed to loud sounds. When unprotected workers are regularly exposed to hazardous sound over significant time there is likelihood they will suffer some degree of occupational hearing loss or deafness. Noise induced hearing loss affects the inner ear and is not treatable or repairable. However, this type of injury is preventable. One of the first steps in managing this risk is to measure it. OHS Regulations require that preventative actions kick in at sound level of 80 decibels (dBA) and higher. 

A calibrated sound level meter is used to measure dBA. Measurements are typically taken at selected locations of interest and at the operator’s position. A survey provides data to inform decision making and appropriate preventive measures. It is also used to identify which tools and equipment need to be labeled or posted as to the sound level it generates. 

Impact sound surveys

• Instrument counts number of impacts and peak sound levels 
• Is regulated in some jurisdictions 

Noise dosimetry 

While the sound level survey provides data on tools, equipment and tasks it does not, typically, inform as to the workers’ average noise exposure over a work shift. Noise dosimetry is the method used to provide this information as follows:  

• Special instrument is placed at selected location or preferably on workers’ lapel close to his / her ear zone

• This method measures a worker’s average integrated noise dose as received throughout the work shift. 

• It is the preferred data and is used to inform decisions on whether a hearing protection plan is required as per provincial OHS regulations.