2/5/2017

Documenting hazardous noise levels and

exposures
Jaime Westbrook, AuD, CCC-A, F-AAA

This is the 1st step: No documentation  No action.

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Purposes of conducting noise measures

• To determine noise is hazardous to health and hearing.
• To identify areas with hazardous noise within the working space.
• To identify workers at risk.
• To evaluate if noise levels meet the standards.
• To determine the necessity of hearing conversation programs, and
the use hearing protection.
• To monitor any changes in the noise levels to modify the
intervention.
• To govern workers’ compensation purposes.
• For research purposes.

What is noise?
• Any audible sound?
• Any random oscillation?
• Any undesired sound?

• The characteristics for evaluating noise:

– The temporal pattern.
– The noise level.
– The frequency content.
– The duration of exposure.

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The temporal pattern

• Continuous (Steady state sound): No significant change in noise
level within 1 sec or less.
• Time-Varying (Non-steady): if the noise level changes during the
period of observation.
• Intermittent noise: if the noise exposure (or the hazardous noise)
has breaks.
• Impulsive or impact (transient ) noise: duration less than 1 second
with sharp rise and fall time.
– Example: weapons fire.
– What is the “department of defense” definition of impulse noise?

Impulse noise
• Can result in:
– Mechanical damage to the hair cells.
– Hearing loss.
– Tinnitus.
– Ear pain and pleading if too loud.

• Examples:
– Common in military.
– Hammering.

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Level of noise
• Increasing noise level  increases hearing damage.

• Level of continuous noise is measured in dB SPL.

– How do you calculate the dB SPL?
– Maximum sound level: the maximum SPL recorded during the observation.

• Level of transient noise is measured in dB peak levels.

– Usually measured using the fast response of C-weighted scale.

• Level of fluctuating noise: measured as the EQUIVALENT continuous

noise that would have the same total energy.

• In many situations the dB RMS is used to average level of complex

sounds.

Free field sound propagation

• Answer this: Doubling the distance reduces the dB level by

___________ .

 You can protect the workers simply by moving them away

from the sound source.

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Frequency content of noise

• What is “Frequency”?

• What is the difference between:

“simple sounds” vs. “complex sounds”

• What is the difference between:

“frequency” vs. “pitch”

• What is the normal frequency hearing range in humans?

Frequency content of complex sounds

• Remember: in complex sounds frequency content is
measured in bands.

• Sound band:
– Bandwidth (BW) = upper boundary (F1) – lower boundary (F2).
– Upper and lower boundaries for octave bands:
• The bandwidth of an octave band filter is 70.7% of the center frequency.
• F1 = center frequency X 0.707
• F2 = center frequency X 1.414
• E.g. center frequency = 1000  {F1 = 707 Hz, F2 = 1414 Hz}.

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Computing Spectrum Level

• No = OAL – 10 log BW

– No = spectrum level

– OAL = overall level of noise (total power) in dB

– BW = bandwidth of noise in Hz

• Remember: The human ear is more sensitive to the middle

frequencies.

• Which frequency can be heard the best in equal loudness

contours (Phons)?

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Frequency weighting (dB scaling)

• dB(A): This filter is widely used and roughly corresponds to the
inverse of the 40 dB (at 1 kHz) equal-loudness curve for the human
ear.

• dB(B): This filter simulates the ear response at moderate sound

levels.

• dB (C): This filter is practically linear over several octaves and is

suitable for subjective measurements at very high SPL.

• dB (D): Provides an overall indication of perceived loudness for

sounds such as generated by aircrafts.

dB scales

Frequency (Hz)
Scale
31.5 63 125 250 500 1000 2000 4000 8000
dB(A) -39.4 -26.2 -16.1 -8.6 -3.2 0 1.2 1 -1.1
dB(B) -17 -9 -4 -1 0 0 0 -1 -3
dB(C) -3 -0.8 -0.2 0 0 0 -0.2 -0.8 -3

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Duration of exposure
• E.g. Exposure to 95 dB SPLs over 8 hours is more damaging
than exposure to same sound for 1 hour only.

• Overall energy of sound = Noise SPL over duration.

• Equal energy principle:

– Exchange rate = Energy  Duration.

– Also called: time-intensity tradeoff, trading ratio, or doubling rate.

Exchange rate
• Is defined as the increase in dB that demands decreasing the
exposure duration to half to prevent damage.
– OSHA (1983): 5 dB increases demands half time exposure.
– NOISH (1998): 3 dB increases demands half time exposure.

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Exchange rate

Noise Dose Calculation

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What if factories exceed these levels?

• Administrative and engineering controls are required.

• If not enough, then, employees must wear appropriate hearing

protection.

Factors used in determining criterion noise levels

• The amount of hearing loss that can be caused by the noise
exposure.

• The affected frequencies:

– Protecting 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz is most important.
– Protecting speech discrimination is the goal.

• The acceptable degree of NIHL:

– Up to 25 dB at 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz.

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Factors used in determining criterion noise levels

• The percentage of affected population:
– Can vary from 5% to 90% based on noise criteria.

• Acceptable procedures for measuring noise exposure.

• Acceptable procedures for measuring hearing thresholds.

• Cost of noise control.

• Practical feasibility of limiting personal noise exposure.

Noise dose (ND) and time weighted

average (TWA) exposure

• Employees usually exposed to different noise levels during

the day.

• Noise dose: is the amount of noise exposure experienced by

the worker relative to the amount of allowable exposure.

• If Noise dose > 100%  Noise is hazardous.

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Calculating noise dose (OSHA, 1983)

• ND = (C1/T1 + C2/T2 + Cn/Tn) X 100%
– Cn: is the total time of noise exposure at specific noise level.
– Tn: Maximum acceptable duration for that noise level.
– Any levels below the safe levels (e.g. 80 dB SPL are ignored).

• Example: The employee exposed to: 85 dBA for 4hours, 97

dBA for 3 hours, and 100 dBA for 1 hour.
– C1 = 4, C2 = 3, C3 = 1
– Find the references limit from table G-16a:
• T1 = 16, T2 = 3, T3 = 2
 D = 4/16 + 3/3 + ½) X 100 = 175%

Calculating noise dose (NOISH, 1998)

• ND = (C1/T1 + C2/T2 + Cn/Tn) X 100%
– Cn: is the total time of noise exposure at specific noise level.
– Tn: Maximum acceptable duration for that noise level.
– Any levels below the safe levels (e.g. 80 dB SPL are ignored).

• Example: The employee exposed to: 85 dBA for 4hours, 97

dBA for 3 hours, and 100 dBA for 1 hour.
– C1 = 4, C2 = 3, C3 = 1
– Find the references limit from table 1.1:
• T1 = 8, T2 = 0.5, T3 = 0.25
 D = (4/8 + 3/0.5 + 1/0.25) X 100 = 1050%

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Noise dose - Homework

• What is the noise dose according to OSHA 1983 and
according to NOISH 1998 if the employee spends:
– 2 hours exposed to 100 dB SPL
– 3 hours exposed to 95 dB SPL
– 0.5 hour exposed to 105 dB SPL
– 2.5 hours exposed to 75 dB SPL

• Is the noise dose for this employee hazardous?

8-hour Time weighted average (TWA)

exposure (ANSI, 1996a)

• LTWA(8) = (exchange rate/0.3) X [log (noise dose/100)] +

criterion exposure limit )e.g. 85 dB SPL.
– When the exchange rate is 3, and the criterion limit is 85 dBA 
TWA = 10[log(D/100)] + 85

• This formula is adapted by (NOISH, 1998).

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8-hour Time weighted average (TWA)

exposure (NOISH, 1998)

• TWA = 10[log(D/100)] + 85

• Example: If dose is 400% what is the TWA according to

NOISH, 1998?

TWA = 10[log(400/100) + 85]

TWA = 10(0.6)+85 = 91 dB A

8-hour Time weighted average (TWA)

exposure (OSHA, 1983)

• TWA = 16.61[log(D/100)] + 90

• Example: If dose is 114% what is the TWA according to

OSHA, 1983?

TWA = 16.61[log(114/100)] + 90

TWA = 16.61(0.06)+90 = 91 dB A

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Table 2.4: Sound level parameters

to be used for monitoring noise

Weekly noise exposure level

• If the amount of exposure is constant: Weekly noise

exposure noise level = (C/T) X 100

• Example: If the employee is exposed to 91 dBA constantly

per week:

– OSHA 1983: (8/7) X 100 = 114%

– NOISH 1998: (8/2) X 100 = 400%

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Ceiling limit (Maximum Allowable level)

• The maximum level of exposure that is permitted in dBA (not
TWA).
• Most agencies use the limit of:
– 115 dBA for continuous noise.
– 140 dBA for peaks of transient sounds.
• See table 2.4 for details.

• Exposure requiring implementation of hearing conservation

program.
– OSHA and NOISH standard: 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA.

Personnel responsible for conducing

noise measurements

• Industrial hygienist. • Exposure monitor.

• Audiologist. • Noise control engineer.

• Safety specialist. • Others.

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Frequency of noise measurements

• At least once at the beginning of noisy operations.

• At the beginning of employment.

• If noise is >95 dBA: Re-measure every 2 years.

• If noise is <95 dBA: Re-measure every 5 years.

• If noisy setup is modified, measurement must be repeated within:

– 30 days (DoD, 2004).
– 3 months (NOISH, 1998).

Equipment for noise measures

• Sound level meter (SLM): must be at least type 2 SLM.

• Noise dosimeter.

• Octave band analyzer.

• Acoustic calibrators.

• Make sure your equipment meets the standard requirements.

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Sound level meter (SLM)

• Contains:
– Microphone.
– Preamplifier.
– Amplifier with adjustable gain.
– Filters for frequency weighting: usually dB A and dB C.
– Meter response circuits.
– Meter reading.

• Response speed: fast vs. slow acting SLMs.

• What are the common uses of SLM and different response

speeds?

Types of SLMs

• Type 0: laboratory standard SLM.

• Type I: Precise measurements in the field.

• Type II: used for general purpose measurements.

SLM microphones can be omnidirectional or directional

according to individual needs.

Make sure to read the manual.

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SLM time constants

• Fast acting: follows the sound fluctuation.

– < 125 msec.

• Slow acting: easier to have a reading.

– > 1 msec.

• Hold-peak testing: for impulse sounds.

– < 35 micro sec.

Octave band analyzer

• Usually present in type 0 and type I SLMs.

• Used to separately measure noise levels in different frequency bands.

• Divides sound into one-third octave bands.

• Applications:
– Identify the frequency range of the highest levels.
– Selecting attenuation characteristics for hearing protection.
– Monitoring room noise levels during audiological testing.
– Checking calibration of audiometers.

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Sound intensity analyzers

• Used to quantify the magnitude and the direction of sound

energy.

• Used to examine individual noise sources.

• Uses multi-microphones.

Noise dosimeter
• AKA: dose badge or sound exposure meter.

• Continuously monitors, integrates, and records the sound

energy a worker is exposed to and calculates the daily dose.

• Usually includes 2 ranges:

– 80 to 130 dBA.
– 90 to 140 dBA.

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Maintenance of noise monitoring equipment

• Maintain calibration.
– Acoustic calibrators: used to calibrate SLMs.
– Tolerance: ±1 dB.
• Avoid stretching, pinching cables.
• Use mic windscreen.
• Avoid heat and humidity.
• Don’t cover mics.
• Remove batteries for long period storage.

Indicators for noise measures

• Employees complains.

• Employees are exposed to loud sounds.

• Difficulty conducting normal conversation due to noise.

• Presence of loud machines.

• Results of formal or informal noise surveys.

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Walk-around noise survey

• Tour the facility and observe noise sources.
– Take notes.

• Notice if it is necessary to speak very loud over the

present noise.

• Measure the noise levels at appropriate locations.

• Estimate daily dose for workers.

• If needed monitor and intervene.

Type and amount of noise sampling

• Sampling must be comprehensive.

– Cover different production phases.

– Different times.

– Different machines.

– Different locations.

– Personal noise monitoring: Very practical and accurate.

– Etc.

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Procedures for noise measurements

• Notify the workers about noise measures in advance.

• Conduct equipment calibration.

• On the day of monitoring provide appropriate instructions to

workers.

– Make sure that workers are working as usual to obtain realistic

recordings.

Steps for monitoring noise using

personal dosimeter
• Turn on the equipment.
– Make sure the batteries are ok.
– Have spare batteries.

• Save any previous data and start new session.

• Set required parameters:

– Weighting: A
– Response time: slow vs. fast.
– dB range.
– Etc.

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Steps for monitoring noise using

personal dosimeter
• Check calibration, and place windscreen if needed.

• Place the dosimeter at the workers shoulder on the noise source

side.

• Turn on the record of the noise level.

– Document the time of turning it on.

• Workers must be instructed not to remove or hide the mic to

compromise the recordings.
– Regular checking is important to solve this issue.

• Record full working shift.

Steps for monitoring noise using

personal dosimeter
• At the end: remove the dosimeter from worker.
– Check the batteries.
– Document the readings.

• Recheck the dosimeter’s calibration.

• Save and document the required data, and turn off the
equipment.

• Explain the results to worker and management.

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Steps for noise sampling with SLM

• SLM setup:
– A weighting.
– Slow acting.

• Check calibration and place windscreen if needed.

• Hold the SLM at arm’s length avoiding any obstruction in the

path of the noise.

• Based on the purpose of measurement hold the SLM:

– Within 1ft of the exposed worker.
– Within 1 ft of the machine.

Steps for noise sampling with SLM

• Observe the reading for ~30 sec before accepting it.

• Take several readings as need for comprehensive survey.

• Record the level and the exposure duration reported by the

worker.

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Steps for noise sampling with SLM

• Make a sketch or area map.

• Recheck the calibration.

• Document needed data, turn off equipment and store

properly.

• Explain the results to workers and management.

Unique noise exposures… PAY EXTRA

ATTENTION to these situations…
• >16 hours of daily exposure to noise.

• Intense low frequency noise.

– >15 difference between A and C weighted recordings.

• >140 dBA noises.

• Impulse noise > 150 dB peak SPL.

• >10 kHz noises.

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Unique noise exposures… PAY EXTRA

ATTENTION to these situations…
• Inaudible sounds: when needed make sure they are within
standard limits (ACGIH, 2006).
– Infrasonic radiations (e.g. wind turbines).
– Ultrasonic radiations.

• Noise exposure of employees wearing sound generating

headsets (e.g. pilots).
Probe microphones might be needed in these cases.
Analyzing the worker headphones might be needed to evaluate the
noise dose.

Record dissemination and retention

• Record the real-time SPL in dB A and dB C.

• Identify the examined area, process, and equipment.

• 8-hour TWA.

• Worker identification information.

• Reports must be provided to worker, management, and

hearing conservation team.

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Monitoring of Ototoxins in the worker

environment
• E.g. Toluene, mercury, etc.

• Monitoring performed using personal monitoring badges:

– Easy to use.
– Manufactured and designed according to the targeted substance.
– E.g. mercury vapor badge.
– Tolerance is provided with the device.

Assessment of interactions of noise

exposure with other agents

• Noise and Ototoxins.

• Noise and vibrations.

• Noise and warning signals during accidents.

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Take home massage

Be as comprehensive as possible during noise surveys.

Questions?

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