Page 67 - OHS, June 2021

Noise-induced hearing loss is as preventable as it is permanent.
or a dosimeter, can carry out a successful noise-monitoring program on-site. However, with various monitoring devices on the market, it can be difficult to identify the most suitable product for your unique working environment and ascertain how much staff training is required.
Ideally, those responsible for the task should understand noise in terms of measuring terminology, frequency and amplitude (deciBels). In addition, the individual will need to know what legislative actions are required at different exposure levels and how a variety of instruments can monitor noise, from sound level meters to dosimeters and which is best for the working environment in question. Once the individual understands the basics, they will need to know how to turn readings from noise monitors and dosimeters into values that can help determine the most appropriate form of hearing protection and understand how to reduce exposure though a variety of means, such as reducing the exposure time of controllable noise at the source.
Trained professionals should also recognize that noise measurements should be repeated if there are changes to the workplace layout, installation of additional machinery or a change in the type or distribution of work undertaken. Of course, individuals may not be knowledgeable about all the aspects covered above and all the detail involved, so external consultation should be sought for areas where competency may be lacking.
How and When to Use a Sound Level Meter
A sound level meter is a hand-held device, enabling measurements to be taken at the ear with the instrument pointing at the noise source. This process must be repeated for both ears, for all duties employees perform, making it possible to calculate an accurate record of daily exposure. Settings on these meters can be adjusted in line with legislation.
When using a sound level meter, measurements must be started at the beginning of a task, representing workers’ actual exposure. If workers are likely to be exposed to high levels of impulsive noise, emitted from heavy pressing operations or sheet metal working, peak noises must be measured for accurate results and compared to peak action levels.
A sound level meter is the ideal solution if you need to know the overall noise level of a task, piece of machinery or area.
How and When to Use a Dosimeter
Dosimeters are best for personal noise measurements where it is difficult or unsafe to get close to employees with a sound-level meter because dosimeters are smaller and body-mounted. For example, a dosimeter would be ideal for forklift truck drivers exposed to many
difffferent noise levels and irregular working patterns.
Employees can wear dosimeters for their entire working shiftft. Data is logged instantly, and when downloaded onto another device,offffersinsightsintodailyexposureandpeaklevels. However, it is important that the data is presented in a format that is easy to understand to a layperson who may not be familiar with all acoustic terminology. Therefore, choosing a dosimeter with accessible software is essential to ensuring accurate insights
are gained and, ultimately, taken on board.
Workers can also make a diary of times and jobs performed,
allowing the employer to see the operations that require more effective noise controls. Dosimeters can be moved to different employees as long as the measurements taken for each employee are representative of their working day. Most modern dosimeters will also project the noise dose forward to the standard eight- hours so that no manual calculations are needed.
However, noise dosimeter measurements are subject to tampering, so spot-checking high levels with a sound level meter is beneficial to ensure accuracy. Therefore, when choosing between either monitoring solution, it should be noted that a combination of both solutions can provide the most valid measures.
Protecting Your Future Workforce
Through Noise Monitoring
NIHL is more common than diabetes or cancer.6 Employers have a responsibility to prevent damage to their workers’ health and to upskill their workforce, so they realize the implications of damaging noise exposure. Monitoring solutions are an ideal solution for you and your organization to achieve compliance with legislation and protectionforyourworkforceeffectivelyanddemonstrably.
Skill and knowledge of measuring noise can take years to build, so the information above can only be considered a foundational introduction. If certain aspects of noise monitoring and control are outside of an individual’s competencies then external consultancies, training and support can be sought to bridge knowledge gaps and ensure employees get the critical protection they need.
Tim Turney is Global Marketing Manager at Casella and graduated as an engineer from Queen Mary and Westfield in London. Since starting at Casella in 1998, Tim has been involved in the acoustics and air sampling industry, specializing in measurement and instrumentation technologies.
REFERENCES
1. https://hearingimprovementcenter.com/hearing-healthcare-news/cdc- finds-hearing-loss-is-third-most-common-chronic-condition
2. https://hearingimprovementcenter.com/hearing-healthcare-news/cdc- finds-hearing-loss-is-third-most-common-chronic-condition
3. https://www.starkey.com/blog/articles/2019/03/Exposure-to-too-much- noise
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21193566/
5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29251690/#:~:text=Hearing%20 conser vation%20programs%20(HCPs)%20mandated,about%20 %24350%2Fworker%2Fyear.
6. https://hearingimprovementcenter.com/hearing-healthcare-news/cdc- finds-hearing-loss-is-third-most-common-chronic-condition
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JUNE 2021 | Occupational Health & Safety 63