Explaining noise exposure limits

Did you know that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is preventable, 100 percent? Whilst wholly preventable, once NIHL has taken its toll on a person, its effects are non-reversible and permanent. It is therefore crucial that adequate steps are taken to minimise the risks associated with noise exposure and NIHL.

In order to help safeguard the hearing of people who spend time in noisy environments, the Noise Regulations 2005 has set out limit values related to noise exposure. If these limits are exceeded, specific action needs be taken a certain action values.
These noise exposure limit action values are related to:

The level of noise an employee is exposed to on average during the course of a working week or a working day.

The peak sound pressure, or maximum noise exposure an employer is exposed to during a day at work.
The noise exposure limits mapped out by the Noise Regulations are as follow:
Action values for lower exposure are:
Weekly or daily exposure of 80 decibels (dB)
A peak sound pressure of 135 decibels (dB)
The action values for upper noise exposure are:
Weekly or daily exposure of 85 decibels (dB)
Peak sound pressure of 137 decibels (dB)

Noise measurement dba

Noise is measured in decibels, commonly abbreviated as dB. Sometimes referred to as a db(A) denotes an ‘A-weighting’, which is used to measure average noise levels.
By contrast, a dB(C), or C-weighting, is used to measure impact, explosive or peak noises.
One of the most common, simple, effective and inexpensive way for Noise measurement dba, is to use a noise level meter. Also known as a sound level meter, this specialist device comprises of a sensitive microphone which measures the amount of noise in a given environment. A noise level meter provides an accurate decibel value of the noise being created in an area.

Sound level meters are an efficient and accurate instrument used to calculate noise measurement dba and to give employers and individuals a clearer understanding of the noise levels being created in a specific space. When familiar with what the noise exposure limits that have been legally put in place by current health and safety legislation, employers can use noise measurement devices to ensure they are compliant with laws surrounding noise exposure at work and how to limit the risks of employees falling victim of noise induced hearing loss.

Using a decibel noise comparison chart is another way to calculate noise measurement dba, though it is important to note, this method is not as accurate as when using a noise level meter. A decibel noise comparison chart maps out various different noise and their values in decibels. For example, silence is o dB, breathing is 10 dB, ordinary conversation is 50 dB, factory noise is 80dB, a lawn mower or motorcycle is 90 dB, a chainsaw or 120 dB. A jet plane taking off is between 130 and 150 dB and has the potential to cause immediate hearing loss or eardrum rupture.