Colorado Springs

Audiology, Inc.

Phone  719.520.1155

LOCATION  & DIRECTIONS

Dr. Gene McHugh

Licensed Audiologist

In Colorado

OFFICE HOURS

Mountain Time USA

Mon-Thurs 9:00AM-5:00PM

Closed Fridays

Copyright, 2009

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ACCORDING TO OSHA GUIDELINES

     When there is reason to believe that any employee's noise exposure may equal or exceed an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels, the employer shall develop and implement a monitoring program.   Continuous noise samples are taken using calibrated equipment and employees have the right to inspect any and all measurements.  The employer shall notify each employee exposed at or above an 8-hour time-weighted average of 85 decibels of the results of the monitoring.

There are basically two ways to monitor noise levels in the work place:  Using a sound pressure level (SPL) meter or a noise dosimeter. 

The SPL meter on the left is more cumbersome and nearly outdated because it requires the tester to physically makes a series of measurements over an eight hour period.  Howver, SPL meters are still being used. On the right is the more affordable and realistic way to measure noise exposure is to let an employee wear a dosimeter, which automatically takes noise samples every so often.  Like a sound level meter, a noise dosimeter can also measure sound levels. However, the dosimeter is actually worn by the employee in order to determine the personal noise dose during the workshift or sampling period.