Measuring the noise exposure level at the workplace (EN ISO 9612)

As a result of the Noise and Vibration OSH Ordinance of 6^th March 2007 and the new action values defined therein for prevention measures, many businesses perceive the need to carry out supplementary noise measurements at their workplaces. The noise exposure limit conforming to EN ISO 9612 (2009-09) has to be determined as the parameter for assessing the noise situation. This replaces the previously conventionally used assessment level.

Since the extensive new EN ISO 9612 is difficult to comprehend, the performance of measurements in accordance with Strategy 1 (task-based measurements) applicable in most cases has been described in plain language in a noise protection worksheet LSA 01-400 (BGI/GUV-I 792-010) and explained with reference to examples. More detailed instructions on the performance of measurements for different applications and tasks can be found in the new paperback “Lärmmessung im Betrieb”. It also deals with measurements under Strategy 2 (job-based measurements) and Strategy 3 (full-day measurements). Detailed examples are given for each of the strategies.

To calculate the noise exposure level from the measured values L_Aeq for certain tasks (part times) within a representative working day or working week, a calculation program is available for downloading to determine the noise exposure level (in German).

The German Standards Institution (DIN) offers the user of DIN EN ISO 9612 a table calculation program that was developed in conjunction with the revision of ISO 9612. With this table, it is possible to determine the noise exposure level using the three strategies described in the standard and also calculate the associated measurement uncertainties at the same time. Correct use of the program presupposes knowledge of the specifications of EN ISO 9612 (2009-09).