Wash. Admin. Code § 296-817-30005 - Make sure that noise-measuring equipment meets recognized standards

(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.

Notes

Wash. Admin. Code § 296-817-30005

Amended by WSR 15-23-086, Filed 11/17/2015, effective 12/18/2015

Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-11-060, § 296-817-30005, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.