Noise Monitoring: How to Monitor Noise Levels for Workplace Safety
Noise monitoring is an essential practice in managing occupational health and environmental noise pollution. Whether it’s personal noise monitoring for individual workers or boundary noise monitoring to assess environmental impact, accurate data collection is key to ensuring compliance with regulations and protecting hearing health. This blog explores the various types of noise monitoring and their benefits in industrial and commercial settings.
What is Noise Monitoring?
Noise monitoring involves measuring sound levels to assess potential risks to hearing health and compliance with noise-related regulations. In workplaces where machinery or industrial activity generates high noise levels, monitoring is critical to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and to create safer environments.
Types of Noise Monitoring
1: Personal Noise Monitoring
Personal noise monitoring involves attaching a sound monitoring device to an individual employee for the duration of their work shift. This type of monitoring helps measure the specific noise exposure that a person experiences throughout the day, making it an ideal tool for evaluating compliance with workplace exposure standards.
Benefits
Tailored to individual exposure
Real-time data collection
Helps in choosing the right personal protective equipment (PPE)
Verum Group offers advanced personal noise monitoring services, ensuring your workforce remains safe from hazardous noise levels in compliance with workplace health and safety standards.
2: Area Noise Monitoring
Area noise monitoring measures sound levels across different points within a facility or work environment. This gives a broad view of the noise landscape, helping identify high-risk areas that may need additional soundproofing or other noise-reduction measures.
Benefits:
Provides comprehensive noise mapping
Identifies high-risk zones for further action
Supports regulatory compliance
Verum Group’s area noise monitoring service uses state-of-the-art technology to assess and mitigate the risks associated with workplace noise.
3: Boundary Noise Monitoring
Boundary noise monitoring focuses on measuring noise levels at the perimeters of industrial sites to ensure that operations do not exceed the noise limits set by local regulations. This is crucial for maintaining good relationships with surrounding communities and adhering to environmental compliance.
Benefits:
Ensures compliance with local noise regulations
Reduces environmental noise pollution
Helps in zoning and resource consent management
At Verum Group, boundary noise assessments provide accurate data, ensuring that your facility meets the necessary standards for noise control, both legally and environmentally.
Common Questions About Noise Monitoring
1. How does noise monitoring protect employees?
Noise monitoring identifies areas where noise exceeds safe levels, allowing businesses to implement protective measures like earplugs or soundproofing, minimizing the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).
2. How often should noise monitoring be conducted?
For high-risk industries, regular monitoring—such as quarterly or annually—is recommended to stay compliant and ensure continued employee safety.
3. What are the legal noise exposure limits in New Zealand?
Workplace noise exposure limits in New Zealand are typically based on an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dBA), or a peak level of 140 dB (unweighted) with exposure above this level requiring action to reduce risks.
Why Choose Verum Group for Noise Monitoring?
Verum Group’s noise monitoring services stand out due to their precision, real-time data, and tailored advice. Our team of occupational hygiene experts combines decades of experience with cutting-edge technology to provide comprehensive noise assessments for industries across New Zealand and the Pacific.
Need assistance with noise monitoring? Contact Verum Group today to ensure your workplace complies with noise regulations and protects your employees from noise-related risks.