Measuring equipment manufacturers are a growing industry these days

There is a lot of growth in many areas of industry these days despite the way the economy is suffering. One area is the field of measuring equipment manufacturers and the measures of sound and measuring decibels of sound. 

How do we measure sound waves?

Sound energy travels in waves and is measured in frequency and amplitude. The energy in a sound wave can be measured using decibels. The decibel meter shows examples of things that make noise and measurements in decibels. 

Amplitude measures how forceful the wave is. It is measured in decibels or dBA of sound pressure. 0 dBA is the softest level that a person can hear. Normal speaking voices are around 65 dBA. A rock concert can be about 120 dBA.

Sounds that are 85 dBA or above can permanently damage your ears. The more sound pressure a sound has, the less time it takes to cause damage. For example, a sound at 85 dBA may take as long at 8 hours to cause permanent damage, while a sound at 100 dBA can start damaging hair cells after only 30 minutes of listening.

How often should measurements be taken?

Measurement of noise must be repeated at appropriate intervals especially if there is any significant change in work patterns or equipment.  The measurements must reflect the actual amount of noise the worker is exposed to over the working day.  Measurements can either be taken using the appropriate equipment, in the workplace used by the worker or by using instruments attached to the worker.

What are the exposure limit values?

This is the daily noise exposure or a peak sound pressure level which must not be exceeded for an employee in the workplace.  When an employer is determining the exposure limit value they must take account of the attenuation provided by individual hearing protectors which are worn by the employees.

What action should be taken when the noise exposure is at the Second Action Level 85dB (A)?

Regulations 126 and 127 specify, in addition to the other requirements, when the level is above 85dB (A) the employer must:

·         Identify the reasons for the excess noise and put in place a programme to reduce it.  This could be either of a technical nature or of organisation of work or both.

·         Provide the services of a registered medical practitioner to carry out hearing checks and audiometric testing.

·         Put up clearly visible and legible signs indicating that the noise level in the area is likely to exceed 85dB (A), in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work General Application Regulations 2007 (regulations 158 to 162 inclusive).

Measuring decibels and measuring db levels is important so that measures can be taken to try and reduce the levels of noise in certain places and so that people can be protected from harmful noise. Measuring decibels levels is just as important for employees working in an office or factory as it is for the people who live near an airport or other busy commercial centre which produces noise.