Noise Surveys - Example Data
Noise measurement can encompass a very large variation in the quality of the results obtained and these days clients should be looking for much more than 'the noise level is XdB(A)'. For management or circulation to committees we provide a summary section in the report with this type of headline data however the level of analysis goes far beyond that and will meet the needs of the most demanding noise risk assessment. The following samples appear within the reports provided to clients following the noise surveys.
Personal noise dose monitoring - the dosebadges.
This is the type of data generated by the dosebadges which we then take and use in the report.
It may be of interest to know that this example was measured while driving down the A5 and M6. The total noise measured over the 2 hr 12 minute period averaged 81.1dB(A) which if it was to be done all day would mean that the use of hearing protection is advisory while driving down motorways. The futility of being made deaf by The Archers should not be lost on anyone...
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General noise levels
This is the type of result obtained from the handheld noise measurement unit used. The results are presented in both
a tabular form (summary data) and graphical form (pattern of noise level during the test). The following is an example measurement taken during a noise measurement of 17 minutes duration.
The reformatting of the report for web layout reduces the clarity of the text, but the report above shows the location of the test itself, gives any additional information such as the machines which were running, etc., the average figures for the test, the projected exposure levels for an 8-hour TWA and then the graph shows the pattern of noise, in this case with clearly identifiable peaks.
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Octave band analysis of noise levels
The chart here shows the type of result obtained for an octave band analysis for a particular noise source. In this case the weighting selected was 'A' (see noise glossary) and the combination of the frequency pattern and noise level for each frequency can then be compared to the hearing protection to confirm its suitability or to recommend a more suitable style.
The Noise Reports
HSMC do not just take these results, print them and hand them to you. We provide an analysis of the results per machine or job title / position which pulls together all the different strands of data obtained during the noise survey. In addition, and only as supporting documentation, you will be provided with all the charts as shown here for your noise risks.
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