Page 39 - OHS, Nov/Dec 2023

First, smartphones are not Type 0, 1 or 2 meters since they do not meet the requirements of the ANSI standard. The accuracy of the smartphone using the noise app is unknown, so the reading cannot be accurately compared to OSHA standards. Smartphones typically cannot be placed within the “hearing zone” as required by OSHA. Phones are often carried pockets during work so the microphone is located behind fabric, affecting the reading. OSHA (2013) says that the phone readings can be used for rough esti- mates but not to document compliance with the noise standard. Smartphones also cannot be accurately calibrated. The OSHA noise standard requires calibration of instruments to evaluate noise exposures (OSHA, 2008). Calibration should be performed before and after each sampling event. Calibration for Type 1 and Type 2 SLMs and noise dosimeters uses a portable calibration de- vice emitting a known frequency of noise. The calibration device is placed over the SLM’s or dosimeter’s microphone. There are no validated methods to calibrate a phone with a noise app. What do these issues mean for a safety professional who is evaluating noise at a work location? If you have a noise app, you can use the phone to screen areas for noise levels, understanding the results are not accurate enough for OSHA compliance pur- poses. You can use the screening information to identify work ar- eas to evaluate using a Type 1 or Type 2 SLM or noise dosimeter. All noise information from a survey using SLMs or dosimeters should be viewed with the understanding that the results are not exact and actual exposures may vary by as much as 2 dBA. However, best practices would be to use a conservative ap- proach to evaluating noise exposures. Some studies have indicat- ed hearing loss can occur with exposures as low as 80 dBA. This approach would be to take the high end of the noise range for the readings and use those levels to determine if controls such as a hearing conservation program should be implemented. Lastly, it is best to use a SLM or dosimeter rather than a noise app for a more accurate reading and one that meets OSHA stan- dards. This is key when evaluating the work area’s noise level so that you can determine effective controls to ensure the hearing and safety of those who work amid the noise. Afterall, a safety profes- sional’s main role is to ensure the safety and health of workers. Greg Boothe is the faculty lead for occupational safety and health at Columbia Southern University. He is a founding member and past president of the Middle Tennessee section of AIHA and a professional member of the Middle Tennessee section of ASSP. Dr. Boothe has more than 35 years of experience in occupational safety and health. REFERENCES • tinyurl.com/yv6eab6f • tinyurl.com/yc7nb5k6 TEST/ACTIVATE EMERGENCY SHOWERS AND EYEWASHES “The Gobbler has totally changed the way we test safety showers.” TELESCOPING FUNNEL • Double Productivity • Eliminate The Mess • Avoid OSHA Problems • Test Water Clarity, Flow, Temperature And Spread EYEWASH TESTING SOLUTIONS greengobblersafety.com Sol􏰀 􏰁y Increase Company | 920-691-2496 | Sales@IncreaseCompany.com wwUwn.toitlheds-o83nli1ne.com NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 | Occupational Health &5/3S/a2f2ety12:534 P3M9