Noise in industrial and commercial settings can hardly be avoided during daily operations. However, very loud levels of noise have negative effects on the health of workers. Long exposure to inappropriate high levels of noise may lead to health risks and the emergence of noise-induced hearing loss, stress, and loss of concentration. These certainly lower the safety and efficiency of workers. Noise level testing is an extremely important procedure that aids in the identification of hazardous noise levels within the workplace, so businesses may take measures to reduce exposure and meet regulatory standards.
This article will discuss the importance of noise level testing, how noise level testing is done, what equipment is used, and what steps businesses can take to safeguard their workers against the risks associated with excessive noise.
Why Is Noise Level Testing Important?
Noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational health problems in the world. Noise-induced hearing loss is a condition resulting from repeated or lengthy exposure to noise levels exceeding the criteria of recommended thresholds. According to Safe Work Australia, exposure to more than 85 decibels averaged over an 8-hour period can lead to hearing damage, and sudden bursts of noise exceeding 140 dB-for example, from explosions or heavy machinery-can cause instant and irreversible hearing loss.
Alongside damage to hearing, other issues that may arise due to too much noise include the following:
Increased stress: The high level of noise continuously raises the level of stress, which, in turn, influences fatigue.
Decreased concentration:Noise will interfere with concentrating on the work at hand; efficiency goes down, and errors increase.
Increased accident risk: Noise interferes with communication since it may inhibit the audibility of important instructions or alarms; therefore, it increases the risk of accidents.
Noise level testing can, therefore, inform business organizations of what places employees are being exposed to hazardous noise, which, in turn, may take appropriate steps to minimize the risk involved.
Legal Requirements for Noise Level Testing:
Noise management in Australia is governed by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations 2011. Employers are required under these regulations to make sure that workers do not receive exposure to more than 85 dB over an 8-hour shift or 140 dB in terms of peak noise levels. Where noise levels exceed the values stated above, employers are bound by law to take mitigative actions through noise control measures or personal protective equipment.
Non-compliance in terms of failure to conduct periodic noise level testing and taking proper care to avoid exposure to noise might include fines, litigation, and severe impairment to the health conditions of the workers. In return, compliance with such regulations protects businesses and their workers.
Noise Level Testing Process:
Noise level testing is a formal process of measurement of sound levels in different parts of the workplace in proving that noise levels are above legal limits. The basic steps of a noise testing process will be described below.
1. Identify Potential Noise Hazards
The first step in noise level testing involves the identification of areas at the workplace where noise could pose a risk. The most common sources of workplace noise come from:
- Heavy machinery-e.g., conveyors, compressors.
- Power tools, like drills and saw
- Construction equipment, including dozers and jackhammers
- Vehicles, including forklifts and trucks
In this step of the process, both continuous noises-for instance, running machinery throughout the day-and those that are intermittent-for instance, alarm systems and sudden loud bangs-must be considered.
2. Noise Measurement
After identifying all the potential hazards, the actual measurement of the noise levels should be done. In this step, noise testing experts undertake the work with the following equipment:
SLMs are handheld devices that measure the intensity of noise at a particular place in the workplace. They can give on-the-spot measurements of noise levels over a range of areas.
- Noise Dosimeters: Noise dosimeters are devices that are worn by a worker, monitor personal noise exposure throughout a shift, and hence give detailed information about total noise exposure throughout the day.
Noise is measured in **A-weighted decibels (dBA)**, which reflect how the human ear perceives different sound frequencies.
3. Analyze the Data
Noise measurements have to be analyzed once the collection of data is complete to ascertain whether the levels exceed the set limits by WHS. In case of noise levels exceeding 85 dB for over a period of 8 hours or 140 dB for peak noise, then such a workplace is hazardous and corrective measures have to be instituted.
4. Noise Control Measures Should Be Implemented
If noise levels are found to be hazardous, employers are obligated to take control measures to reduce exposure. These measures include the following:
- Engineering controls: Equipment modification to reduce noise from source, using quieter machinery, along with sound barriers and the installation of sound-absorbing materials.
- Administrative controls: Scheduling work or worker rotation to minimize exposure time in high-noise areas.
- PPE: Where the other measures are insufficient to control the problem, provision of personal hearing protection to the worker, such as earplugs or earmuffs.
5. Monitor and Review
Noise levels may vary over time due to wear in equipment, or changes/altered processes at work. Noise level testing should be undertaken on a routine basis as part of ensuring the workplace does not exceed the noise exposure limits. Ongoing monitoring ensures that workers remain protected when new hazards emerge.
Best Practices for Effective Noise Level Testing:
The testing of noise effectively to achieve compliance with regulatory requirements will involve a business implementing the following best practices:
- Use qualified noise assessment professionals: Using experts with knowledge and appropriate equipment ensures accuracy in measurement and observation of noise levels to meet legal standards.
- Regular assessments should be carried out: The levels of noise change over time; hence, testing is a continuous process of discovering newly developed risks.
- Consult employees: Employees may have much to contribute as far as areas that could give rise for noise concerns. Involvement of employees in the testing process ensures that possible risks can be identified.
- Keep proper records: Employers are supposed to keep a record of all tests of noise levels and measures taken to reduce exposure to noise. This record will be useful in case one needs to prove that his compliance requirements have been met, and it will also provide a history of noise levels measured over time.
Conclusion
Noise testing is considered important in terms of both protecting workers from loud noises and maintaining compliance with occupational health and safety regulations. Noise hazards are identified, exposure levels measured, and appropriate controls put into place to make these work environments much safer and more productive. It is regular testing, continuous monitoring, and proactive management of noise risk that prevent hearing loss and help promote long-term worker health.
