Spartan 730/730IS Dosimeter Manual
Best Practices for Measuring Noise Exposure
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4.2 Best Practices for Measuring Noise Exposure
Because you’re taking time to obtain noise exposure readings, you’ll
want the measurement data to be an accurate representation of a
subject’s noise exposure. The following considerations may help you
gather the most useful results. First, examine the work environment to
determine the noise you want to measure. Second, consider the timing
and location of your measurement to obtain a representative sample.
Next, examine the area for mechanical vibrations or other interference
that may impact the dosimeter’s ability to function. Finally, use the
Spartan dosimeter’s features to prevent unnecessary tampering with the
measurement.
While each of these individual practices are a good idea, applying them
together will contribute to the most accurate representation of a
worker’s noise exposure. The following sections provide details on how
to accomplish this.
4.2.1 Survey the Noise You Want to Measure
Examine the work environment to understand what kind of noise is
typical in the area being surveyed, and when particular types of noise
might elevate a person’s exposure. For example, if you discover that a
site has a very noisy fan that runs routinely during the summer, this
information helps you understand when and where a noise exposure
survey will provide the most accurate assessment of a person’s noise
exposure.
4.2.2 Schedule the Measurement
Track the day, time, and specific location of any suspected peak
exposure, and schedule your measurement accordingly. It may be
helpful to schedule measurements using multiple Spartan dosimeters in
the same area.
If the noise exposure you’re measuring occurs at a specific time, you can
use the Spartan 730’s timers—a timed stop or a daily timer—to obtain the
best noise exposure sample.
