Where; = the allowable exposure time in hrs t,hr 8 = standard length of a work day in Australia LAeq = the measured noise level in the workplace 85 = the reference acceptable noise threshold dose in Australia 3 = A called the rate (specific to Australia) ‘exchange’ this calculation, we can accurately calculate the time that a worker is allowed to be exposed to a noise level between values of 85 dB and 140 dB. When we graph this function, we find a unique graph that is easier to understand the relationship between noise dose and exposure time. Figure 5.5 Graph showing the relationship between noise level and allowable exposure time. This – graph is from the interactive calculator from the noise spreadsheet. So… You can be exposed to levels greater than 85dB, you just need to be careful and calculate how long you can be exposed to that sound! The paperwork trail The records of the assessment be kept and be made available to relevant people when requested. These records should be kept at or near the premises to which they apply. Where this is not practical, e.g. because of the nature of the work (or the site), the records should be kept at an appropriate location. The following data shall be recorded: Details of operation and work location, including address. Description of working environment, including— detail of noise sources; nature of activity and work processes; acoustic characteristics of the work location; working hours for a representative day; number of people involved with the various processes; changes which may have occurred since the last assessment in terms of work procedures, introduction or removal of plant and implementation of noise control measures; where applicable, definition of the working position which is representative of a given group’s job descriptions; and details of any hearing protectors used or issued. Details of measuring instruments used (manufacturer’s name, model, Type or Class (e.g. 0, 1, 2, 3), serial number, and date when last calibrated). Measuring procedure, comprising— operating conditions of and equipment during the period of assessment;
Where; t,hr = the allowable exposure time in hrs 8 = standard length of a work day in Australia LAeq = the measured noise level in the workplace 85 = the reference acceptable noise threshold dose in Australia 3 = A called the ‘exchange’ rate (specific to Australia) this calculation, we can accurately calculate the time that a worker is allowed to be exposed to a noise level between values of 85 dB and 140 dB. When we graph this function, we find a unique graph that is easier to understand the relationship between noise dose and exposure time. Figure 5.5 – Graph showing the relationship between noise level and allowable exposure time. This graph is from the interactive calculator from the noise spreadsheet. So… You can be exposed to levels greater than 85dB, you just need to be careful and calculate how long you can be exposed to that sound! The paperwork trail The records of the assessment be kept and be made available to relevant people when requested. These records should be kept at or near the premises to which they apply. Where this is not practical, e.g. because of the nature of the work (or the site), the records should be kept at an appropriate location. The following data shall be recorded: Details of operation and work location, including address. Description of working environment, including— detail of noise sources; nature of activity and work processes; acoustic characteristics of the work location; working hours for a representative day; number of people involved with the various processes; changes which may have occurred since the last assessment in terms of work procedures, introduction or removal of plant and implementation of noise control measures; where applicable, definition of the working position which is representative of a given group’s job descriptions; and details of any hearing protectors used or issued. Details of measuring instruments used (manufacturer’s name, model, Type or Class (e.g. 0, 1, 2, 3), serial number, and date when last calibrated). Measuring procedure, comprising— operating conditions of and equipment during the period of assessment;
NME-Study-module-5.docx