• Personal Noise Survey ( Full and Partial Shift)

Monitoring noise exposure in the workplace is essential for employee health and safety. Full or partial shift dosimetry measures noise levels throughout a worker’s shift, requiring careful execution for accurate data. Knowing the exposure profile will result to better proactive controls aimed towards the workers such as but not limited to perioding hearing test, enrolment to hearing loss prevention program, and choosing the right hearing protective devices(HPD).

• Microphone Placement:

• Place the microphone mid-shoulder on the most exposed ear before the shift begins.
• Ensure the microphone is securely positioned to start sampling at the shift’s beginning.

• Starting and Stopping Sampling:

• Begin sampling as soon as the shift starts.
• Stop sampling just before removing the microphone to avoid handling artifacts that can distort data.

• Retrieving the Dosimeter:

• Arrange a specific time and place to meet the monitored employee at the shift’s end to recover and read the dosimeter.
• Clear communication is vital to ensure efficient retrieval.

• Considerations During Sampling:

• Consider the worker’s spatial position relative to equipment and co-workers.
• If the worker frequently turns their head towards the microphone to communicate, consider placing the microphone on the opposite shoulder for more accurate data.

Following these steps ensures accurate noise exposure monitoring, helping maintain compliance with safety standards and protecting workers’ hearing health.

2.

Area Noise Exposure Assessment

An area noise exposure assessment involves using a sound level meter (SLM) or octave band (OB) analyzer to measure and identify potential noise sources in a workplace. This method helps determine the noise levels that workers are exposed to and aids in implementing noise control measures and selecting appropriate hearing protection. 

• SLM/OB Analyzer Placement:

• Strategically position the SLM/OB analyzer to identify potential noise sources and measure the noise levels to which workers are exposed.
• Ensure the placement allows for accurate detection of noise levels from various equipment and processes in the area.

• Sampling Start:

• Begin sampling after the SLM/OB analyzer has settled down, following the manufacturer’s instructions for setup and calibration.
• Ensure the device is stable and ready to capture accurate noise data.

• Meeting Arrangements:

• Meet with the area supervisor before starting the noise measurement activity.
• Understand the specific circumstances and operational conditions that may affect noise levels in the area through discussions with the supervisor.

• Consistent Exposure Conditions:

• Ensure that the sampling period reflects a representative noise profile of the area.
• Conduct interviews and investigations to confirm that the conditions during sampling are typical of normal operations.

By adhering to these guidelines, the area noise survey will provide reliable data that can be used to inform noise engineering control decisions and the selection of appropriate hearing protection equipment. This approach helps in maintaining a safer work environment by effectively managing and mitigating noise exposure risks.