Noise at Work
Measurement and evaluation of noise exposure
Noise at work refers to sound present in occupational environments that may affect the health and safety of workers. Its evaluation is essential to prevent risks, protect hearing, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.
Why noise at work matter
Noise measurements in the workplace are used to assess noise exposure, analyze acoustic conditions at the workplace, and verify compliance with established exposure limits.
What is evaluated in noise at work?
Noise measurements in occupational environments allow the evaluation of:
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Noise levels at the workplace
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Noise characteristics depending on the activity and operating conditions
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Time of noise exposure
The objective is to quantify noise exposure, assess the risk to hearing health, and verify compliance with established exposure limits.
Measurement accuracy and standard compliance
Reliable workplace noise measurements require Class 1 instrumentation compliant with IEC 61672. Frequency analysis, when applied, must comply with IEC 61260.
Assessment of occupational noise exposure is carried out in accordance with occupational health and safety regulations, such as Directive 2003/10/EC and international standards such as ISO 9612 for the determination of occupational noise exposure.
Main measurement categories
Noise at Work measurements typically include:
Noise level assessment
Determination of sound pressure levels at the workplace using indicators such as equivalent levels (Leq), maximum levels (Lmax), or peak levels (Lpeak), to characterize acoustic conditions. Advanced measurements allow the simultaneous evaluation of multiple parameters, time weightings (Fast, Slow, Impulse) and frequency weightings (A, C, Z), providing a comprehensive view of the sound environment. In environments such as offices, these levels may also be evaluated against acoustic comfort criteria such as NC curves. Read more...
Noise characteristics assessment
Analysis of the type of noise present in the work environment, including continuous, intermittent, or impulsive noise, considering the temporal characteristics of sound levels and their spectral (frequency) content. Read more...
Noise exposure assessment
Determination of individual noise exposure using standardized indicators such as LEX,8h and other derived exposure metrics to assess risk and verify compliance with established limits, based on measurements that reflect real working conditions. Read more...
Solutions for noise at work measurements
Professional workplace noise measurements require:
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Class 1 sound level meters
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Personal noise dosimeters
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Data analysis and management platforms
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Acoustic calibrators
Integrated measurement systems enable accurate evaluation of noise exposure, supporting occupational risk prevention, regulatory compliance, and hearing protection.
Norsonic - a trusted and innovative leader in acoustic applications
Norsonic delivers a comprehensive portfolio of instruments and systems dedicated to acoustics. From handheld sound level meters to advanced multichannel solutions, our technology is engineered to meet the full range of acoustic measurement tasks, from basic sound insulation tests to complex analyses.
Intuitive software, flexible configuration, and powerful analysis tools provide efficient workflows and clear, reproducible reporting. Wireless operation and Wi-Fi connectivity reduce cabling and simplify logistics on site, while project management directly on the instrument helps optimise measurement campaigns and ensure consistent, reliable results.