Section 296-307-63405. Make sure that noise-measuring equipment meets recognized standards.  


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  • You must:
    • Make sure that noise dosimetry equipment meets these specifications:
    – Dosimeters must be equipment class 2AS-90/80-5 of the American National Rule Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters, ANSI S1.25-1991, such dosimeters are normally marked "Type 2."
    Note:
    Make sure any dosimeter you use is Type 2 equipment that:
     
    • Uses slow integration and A-weighting of sound levels.
     
    • Has the criterion level set to 90 dB, so the dosimeter will report a constant 8-hour exposure at 90 dBA as a 100% dose.
     
    • Has the threshold level set at 80 dB, so the dosimeter will register all noise above 80 dB.
     
    • Uses a 5 dB exchange rate for averaging of noise levels over the sample period.
    You must:
    • Make sure that sound level meters meet these specifications:
    – American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1984, Type 2 requirements for sound level meters, such sound level meters are normally marked "Type 2."
    ■ For continuous noise measurements, the meter must be capable of measuring A-weighted sound levels with slow response
    ■ For impulse or impact noise measurements, the meter must be capable of indicating maximum C-weighted sound level measurements with fast response.
    • Calibrate dosimeters and sound level meters used to monitor employee noise exposure:
    – Before and after each day's use
    AND
    – Following the instrument manufacturer's calibration instructions.
    Note:
    • You may conduct dosimetry using an exchange rate less than 5 dB and compare the results directly to the noise evaluation criteria in Table 1
     
    • For measuring impulse and impact noise you may also use a sound level meter set to measure maximum impulse C-weighted sound levels or peak C-weighted sound levels.
    [Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63405, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.]
RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, 49.17.060. WSR 05-01-166, § 296-307-63405, filed 12/21/04, effective 4/2/05.