Impulse noise measurement in view of noise hazard assessment and use of hearing protectors

Abstract

Experience shows the occurrence of situations when the measurements of impulse noise parameters are made with measurement equipment unsuitable for such conditions. The results of using such equipment were compared with the results of using equipment with a sufficiently large upper limit of the measurement range. The analysis was carried out on the example of noise generated during shots from a Mossberg smooth-bore shotgun and AKM rifle, as well as produced in the forge. The use of the unsuitable equipment allowed to indicate the exceeding of the exposure limit value of the peak value of the signal (L_Cpeak), but this is not always possible when determining the energy properties of the signal (L_EX,8h). While the inadequate properties of the measurement equipment will generally not prevent the conclusion that noise in a particular workplace is hazardous to hearing, the results of measurements cannot be used to select hearing protectors.

KEYWORDS:

• impulse noise
• noise measurements
• exposure to noise
• earmuffs
• hearing protector selection

Acknowledgements

This paper has been based on the results of a research task carried out within the scope of the fifth stage of the National Programme ‘Improvement of Safety and Working Conditions’ partly supported in 2020 — within the scope of state services — by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. The Central Institute for Labour Protection – National Research Institute is the Programme's main co*ordinator.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.