Sound Level Meters for Noise at Work & Occupational Noise

Noise at Work, Occupational Noise and Industrial Hygiene measurements cover a wide range of applications but the primary aim is to measure the noise exposure of employees and to protect them from hearing damage.

All of our simple sound level meters meet a range of professional standards such as IEC 61672 and are accurate to Class 2 or Class 1 (depending upon the version) and can be calibrated using an Acoustic Calibrator. This can ensure that the measurements are accurate. As with any noise measurement instruments, we would recommend using a calibrator with the all of our sound level meters as well as a windshield.

A measurement kit is the ideal solution as this contains the Sound Level Meter, an Acoustic Calibrator, Windshield and a Carrying Case along with any associated accessories such as software and download cables.

We have a range of sound level meters and noise meters that can meet these applications and requirements and our recommendations are shown below.

The instrument that is ideal for you depends upon which regulations or standards you need to comply with. Here are some suggestions for the main Occupational Noise Regulations.

The assessment and measurement of noise exposure of workers in the UK is covered by the 2005 Control of Noise at Work Regulations which is enforced by the HSE.

Guidance on the regulations is published in the Controlling Noise at Work booklet and this states that:

".. the sound level meter should be an integrating sound level meter..." and "Your sound level meter should meet at least Class 2 of BS EN ISO 61672-1:2003 (the current instrumentation standard for sound level meters) or at least Type 2 of BS EN 60804:2001 (the former standard)".

You can also use a Class 1 or Type 1 sound level meter that meets these standards but you should never use a meter that does not meet these standards to at least Type 2 as it will not meet the requirements laid down by the HSE.

Your sound level meter should be capable of measuring:

You should also have a suitable acoustic calibrator to check the sound level meter before and after making any measurements.

Suggested Instruments

CR:162A optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:162B optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:162C optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:161A optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:161B optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:161C optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:260A Series Integrating Sound Level Meters
CR:800C Series Data Logging Sound Level Meters

The requirements of the EU Physical Agents (Noise) Directive 2003/10/EC are the same as for the UK Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and so the recommended instruments are the same as above.

The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) regulates sound in the workplace under standard 1910.95

These OSHA Regulations recommend the use of a Type 2 sound level meter (a Class 1 or Type 1 Sound Level Meter can also be used) with "Slow" time weighting. Your Sound Level Meter should also be calibrated using an Calibrator to check that the meter is operating correctly before making any measurements.

Suggested instruments

CR:162A optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:162B optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:162C optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:161A optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:161B optimus red Sound Level Meter
CR:161C optimus red Sound Level Meter