Applications: Noise Monitoring for Construction & Mining
Construction can be a industry where high noise levels are common and where both occupational and environmental noise monitoring may be needed. The noise exposure of employees working on sites should be assessed to ensure compliance with any local and national legislation but at the same time it is important that noise from machinery, equipment or activities does not impact upon the local environment.
The noise exposure pattern of construction workers can vary significantly over different days and so using a noise dosemeter may often give the most effective measurements. For the mining industry, an Explosion proof instrument with ATEX or EEx Intrinsic Safety Certification may be required, particularly in underground operations.
From our wide range of sound level meters and noise dosemeters we have selected some instruments that would be suitable for these environments.
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Noise at Work Directive 2003/10/EC
Noise at Work Directive 2003/10/EC is officially known as the "Directive 2003/10/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 6 February 2003 on the minimum health and safety requirements regarding the exposure of workers to the risks arising from physical agents (noise)".
In the directive, the following limit and action values are defined:
(a) exposure limit values: LEX,8h = 87 dB(A) and LCpeak = 200 Pa respectively;
(b) upper exposure action values: LEX,8h = 85 dB(A) and LCpeak = 140 Pa respectively;
(c) lower exposure action values: LEX,8h = 80 dB(A) and LCpeak = 112 Pa respectively.
Where:
The daily noise exposure level (LEX,8h) is the average noise exposure level for a nominal 8-hour working day as defined by ISO 1999
The peak sound pressure (LCpeak) is the maximum value of the 'C'-frequency weighted instantaneous noise pressure.
The Member States are to comply with this Directive before 15 February 2006.
However, there may have an additional period of five years from 15 February 2006 with regard to limit values for personnel on board seagoing vessels. And, for the music and entertainment sectors.
Member States have a maximum transitional period of two years from 15 February 2006 (i.e. five years in total) to comply with this Directive, provided that, in the meantime, the levels of protection already achieved are maintained.
Click here for the full text of the EU Directive
OSHA Noise Standard
As of August 1981, OSHA noise exposure standards consist of a two-stage program where hearing conservation measures become mandatory at 85 dBA for an 8-hour day but feasible engineering or administrative noise controls are required when exposures exceed 90 dBA.
Hearing Conservation Programs - include annual audiometric testing and provision of hearing protectors.
Engineering Controls - include reducing machinery noise through redesign, replacement with quieter equipment or by reducing the transmission of noise along the path from source to receiver.
Administrative Controls - include reducing noise exposure by limiting the time an employee is exposed to given noise levels.
