NOISE
Our specialty is workplace or industrial noise. We have conducted many noise surveys throughout Western Canada. We use state-of-the-art noise monitoring equipment to measure noise. Our reports give thorough recommendations including those required for compliance with government noise regulations. Our goal is to reduce hearing loss from occupational noise exposure.
Noise Measurement in the Workplace
We offer three types of occupational noise surveys:
1. Sound Level Survey2. Noise Dosimetry
3. Frequency Analysis.
1. Sound Level Survey
- Most economical, and a good start! If the operation is small, it may not require a whole day on site. Results indicate the possibility of overexposure to noise, not certainty.Noise is measured with a sound level meter (A-scale, some C-scale readings); We use integrating, data logging, sound level meter.
- Noise is measured at various locations, job functions, & tasks; sometimes, noise maps are prepared at an extra cost.
- Survey tells us who might be overexposed, and where warning signs are required for noisy equipment. This survey gives an idea of the effectiveness of hearing protectors or administrative controls, but it is not as accurate as noise dosimetry.
2. Noise Dosimetry
• More expensive than a basic sound level survey.
Dosimetry always requires full-shift or close to full shift sampling.
Noise dosimetry should always be accompanied by a sound level survey.Noise exposure is measured with a noise dosimeter worn by the worker during the shift.
- • Measures individual worker exposure to noise (integrates and weights all noise exposure over the whole shift).
Used to determine legal compliance with government noise regulations.
With this information, the effectiveness of hearing protectors (plugs or muffs) can be determined...I mportant to know what the worker was doing for the day in order to properly interpret noise dosimeter results.
3. Frequency Analysis
• Noise is measured with an octave band analyzer (frequency analyzer). We often incorporate some frequency analysis into our sound level survey.
• These types of measurements are needed for noise control (other than simply issuing hearing protectors). We must measure noise frequencies to recommend effective. This is because the type of engineering controls for low & high frequency noise are different. Higher frequency noise may be more damaging to hearing (to the hair cells in the cochlea, part of the hearing mechanism. BUT, higher frequency noise may be easier to control.
We Can Develop your Hearing Conservation Program
A hearing conservation program (noise-management program) is mandated by provincial or federal legislation if you have 'noise-exposed workers.
Noise Sources
grinding
dumping & transporting overburden
using jackhammer
Administrative Controls - Signage
Hearing Protection
Too Noisy!