Noise Dosimeters for Workplace Noise

Measure Personal Noise Exposure | Spartan Series

Larson Davis offers a complete line of Noise Dosimeters designed to make worker noise measurements quick and easy. The Spartan Series of Wireless Noise Dosimeters offers both standard and intrinsically safe units to meet the needs of your application. Spartan Noise Dosimeters can be controlled directly from your mobile device and are used by Industrial Hygienists, EHS Consultants, and Safety Managers around the globe. Typical applications include:

  • Workplace noise exposure measurements
  • Task-based noise measurements
  • Compliance to OSHA, ACGIH, MSHA, and ISO 9612
  • EU Directive 2003/10/EC compliance

 

What is a Noise Dosimeter?

Noise Dosimeters (sometimes called sound dosimeters or noise dose meters) are small wearable devices that continuously measure a worker’s exposure to noise over a work shift. A noise dosimeter is usually clipped to the clothing near the shoulder and includes a small built-in microphone that measures noise level. Noise dose is typically reported as a percent of allowable exposure according to a standard. 

Why use a Noise Dosimeter to measure occupational noise exposure?

Noise Dosimeters are the most straightforward and least obtrusive way to measure employee noise dose. While a Sound Level Meter can be used to measure noise at individual workstations, noise dose is a function of noise level, time of exposure, and more. To make noise dose calculations from Sound Level measurements, someone needs to make representative measurements from each work area, estimate time spent in the work area, and calculated dose either by hand or with external tools. A noise dosimeter makes these calculations internally and can even make the calculations based on multiple noise dose standards at once. For this reason, a noise dosimeter is a good choice for measuring an individual worker’s noise exposure for a full work shift.

To learn more about how to use Noise Dosimeters and Sound Level Meters to determine if noise is a problem at your workplace, consult the whitepaper Do We Have a Problem with Workplace Noise? Standards, Safety, and Best Practices. It covers everything from how to get started to making reports to what to do if you determine you need noise controls.

How do you choose the best Noise Dosimeter for your needs?

Larson Davis’ line of Spartan Noise Dosimeters are easy to use, measure to a variety of build-in standards, and offer easy to understand results. Need more guidance? Take a look at How Do I Choose a Personal Noise Dosimeter?

What metrics are measured and reported with a Noise Dosimeter?

Noise Dosimeters log and report a wide variety of metrics, from the percent dose according to a selected standard to TWA(8), Lex,8h, Lep,d and more. Larson Davis dosimeters include built-in standards such as OSHA (reporting percent dose according to OSHA PEL and/or OSHA HC), ACGIH, NIOSH, and ISO.

Who should use a Noise Dosimeter?

Anyone who works in loud environments could be at risk for long-term noise-induced hearing loss. If employees at your workplace are exposed to loud noises for a large portion of the day and they often need to raise their voices to be heard by someone nearby, considering measuring their noise dose. Noise Dosimeters are easy to deploy and can be rented short-term, so you don’t have to invest a lot to ensure your employees are safe.