How to make noise survey report

Here is a glossary of phrases that you may find useful while reading our Noise Survey Report for the first time.

Noise (dB)
Noise is defined as any perceptible, undesired sound that is measured in decibels (dB). What one person considers noise may be considered sound by another. The phrase always has a subjective component to it. As a result, objective evaluation with a proper tool is required.

Noise level
It relates to the volume of the sound.

Noise Assessment or Noise Survey

• A measurement of the noise levels produced by a single noise source (for example, a specific machine) or a predetermined region (e.g., a workplace).
• A measure of the amount of noise to which an employee is subjected (as can be attained via noise dosimetry)
• An assessment of noise characteristics (eg. an octave band analysis that measures the frequency components of a noise)
• Assists in identifying workers who require audiometric testing.

Sound Level Meter (SLM)
A device used to measure various noise characteristics.

A-weighted
A standard weighting of the audible frequency range of 20Hz – 20,000Hz (20kHz) intended to mimic the human ear’s reaction to noise.

LAeq
Because sound levels fluctuate, the LAeq (A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level) provides the average noise level across the measuring time. It is also known as ambient noise, because it comprises all audible noise sources, both close and far.

LA90
The A-weighted noise level was surpassed for 90% of the test time, which is commonly referred to as background noise. While it would ordinarily contain the contribution from the specific noise source (i.e. the event location in question), it tends to ignore the impacts of short duration noise such as automobiles passing, dogs barking, sirens, and so on, and is generally reflective of a locality’s fundamental noise level.

LA10
The A-weighted noise level was surpassed for 10% of the measurement period, and it is a measure of the higher noise levels in the ambient noise. 

LAMAX
It is the greatest A-weighted noise level measured during the measurement period.

1:3 Octave Band
Sound frequency analysis in which the frequency spectrum is split into 13 bands of one octave each.

Tonal
Noise with a clearly discernible tone that is a distinct, definite, or continuous note (whine, hiss, screech, hum, etc.)

Impulsive
A short-duration noise (usually less than one second) with a much greater noise level than the background noise level.

NOISE SURVEY REPORT TEMPLATE

Part A of this paper contains a list of survey parameters. Part B of this document contains a record of noise measurements acquired for specific pieces of equipment or places. It is also critical to track the amount of time people are exposed to specific noise levels, as risk evaluation is based on overall noise exposure. A computation of daily personal noise exposure (Lep,d) is necessary; a calculator tool can assist with this. Part C describes the control measures necessary to reduce the risk of noise-related ill-health. This component of the form must be completed locally by the person in control of the workplace, with help from the noise surveyor and/or H&SS as needed. Part D of this document contains a record of the action plan for implementing the appropriate controls identified during the risk assessment. These restrictions must be brought to the notice of everyone who is subjected to noise from the surveyed equipment. Further information on risk assessment and compliance with The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 is available in the HSE paper L108: “Controlling Noise at Work: The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.” Regulation Guidance”; The noise risk assessment must be brought to the attention of those who need to see it, and it must be reviewed whenever there is a change in the level of noise (e.g., due to equipment changing or requiring maintenance), the use of new equipment that has been introduced, where exposure time has increased, and so on.

Part B- Noise survey and exposure