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Washington Administrative Code (Last Updated: November 23, 2016) |
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Title 296. Labor and Industries, Department of |
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Chapter 296-817. Hearing loss prevention (noise). |
Section 296-817-30005. Make sure that noise-measuring equipment meets recognized standards.
Latest version.
- (1) You must make sure that noise dosimetry equipment meets these specifications:(a) Dosimeters must be equipment class 2AS-90/80-5 of the American National Rule Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters, ANSI S1.25-1991.(b) Such dosimeters are normally marked "Type 2."Note:Make sure any dosimeter you use is Type 2 equipment that:1. Uses slow integration and A-weighting of sound levels.2. 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.3. Has the threshold level set at 80 dB, so the dosimeter will register all noise above 80 dB.4. Uses a 5 dB exchange rate for averaging of noise levels over the sample period.(2) You must make sure that sound level meters meet these specifications:(a) American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1984, Type 2 requirements for sound level meters.(b) Such sound level meters are normally marked "Type 2."(i) For continuous noise measurements, the meter must be capable of measuring A-weighted sound levels with slow response.(ii) For impulse or impact noise measurements, the meter must be capable of indicating maximum C-weighted sound level measurements with fast response.(3) Calibrate dosimeters and sound level meters used to monitor employee noise exposure:(a) Before and after each day's use; and(b) Following the instrument manufacturer's calibration instructions.Note:1. You may conduct dosimetry using an exchange rate less than 5 dB and compare the results directly to the noise evaluation criteria in Table 1.2. 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.