Identifying the soundscape
Request a quote for sound measurementsIdentifying the soundscape
Request a quote for sound measurementsIdentifying the soundscape
The harmful impact of noise on hearing is determined by a trade-off between the intensity and duration of exposure. A short but strong sound can cause the same amount of sound energy (and thus damage) as a longer but quieter sound. Since a work shift usually lasts 8 hours, it is therefore necessary to look at the average amount of noise exposure during that time period. This average is called the daily dose and serves as the basis for the legal action and marginal values for noise in the workplace and the resulting measures. In general, an exposure of 80 decibels for 8 hours (LEX,8h) is harmful to hearing. As such, this level is used as the first action value. Apart from continuous noise, impulse sounds also have a harmful effect. These peak noises are therefore also used as legal threshold values.
The Tympro specialist visits the production workshops and makes recommendations about possible measurement locations. The specialist prepares a proposal based on this.
The specialist also guides the on-site measurement. Sound badges are pinned to the participants at shoulder height. These badges register the sound pressure during the entire work shift. In the meanwhile, the specialist manually performs sound measurements at the sound sources and record these values.
The specialist prepares a sound report based on all this data. In this, the noise levels are written out and tested against the legal standards. The measurement and damping recommendations are discussed. Finally, the specialist discusses the report with the client.
Within the context of the working conditions policy, the employer must record in writing which risks the work entails in an inventory and evaluation. This risk inventory and evaluation contains a description of the hazards and the risk-limiting measures indicated in an action plan. Noise poses both auditory and non-auditory risks to the health and well-being of exposed people. The soundscape must therefore be identified and kept up to date.
Please contact us via telephone, email, or via the website. We will inform you about the process that must be followed. We will find a date and time that suits us both when our specialist will come to your premises, without obligation to give suggestions about the measurement locations. If you have a list of such measurement locations, such a visit is not necessary. A quotation is prepared based on the list. After we reach an agreement, we will decide an a measurement day when the audiologist can come and perform the measurements on sit. You will receive the noise report a few days after the measurement day.
The Tympro employee starts with his measurements at the agreed time. This normally starts when the earliest work shift starts. The participants who represent the agreed measurement locations each receive a sound dosimeter. They are asked to keep a time schedule of their activities and locations. During the measurement day, the audiologist walks around and takes manual measurements at several locations and takes notes. At the end of the shift, the dosimeters and time schedules are collected.
If the employees are exposed to an average level of 85 decibels or higher for 8 hours or if peak noises are present that exceed 137 dB(C), the exposed employees are obliged to wear hearing protection.
When determining the damping values, first and foremost, the protective base is taken into account. This is determined based on the sound levels in the company. We base this on noise reports prepared in the past by us or by another party. If there are no measurements of this, we will make an estimate based on the industry and activities. Secondly, the avoidance of overprotection (too large attenuation value) is always taken into account, which in itself leads to higher acceptance of the hearing protection, which is of course beneficial for hearing health. The manageable attenuation values of otoplastics have an adjustment range between 20 dB and 35 dB.