Noise Risk Assessment

Industrial Hygiene and Ergonomics Division

Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE

DOSH
Learning Objectives
At the end of the course, the participant will be able to –

1 Identify excessive noise.

2 Carry out noise risk assessment.

3 Carry out noise mapping/zoning.

4 Calculate the LEX,8h and the daily personal noise dose.

5 Interpret the findings of the noise risk assessment.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 2

Scope
1.0 Terminologies

3.0 Concept of Noise Risk and

2.0 Identification of Excessive Noise Risk Assessment
Noise

4.0 Noise Risk Assessment 5.0 Interpretation of Assessment

Methodology Results
6.0 Recommendations 7.0 Summary

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 3

1.0
Terminologies

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 4

1.0 Terminologies

❖ Daily noise exposure

level

❖ Daily personal
noise dose
❖ Peak sound
pressure level
❖ Excessive noise
❖ Sound pressure
level

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 5

Sound Pressure Level ( SPL )
SPL means the level, in decibels, calculated as 20 times the
common logarithm of the ratio of a sound pressure to the
reference sound pressure of 20 micropascals.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 6

Daily Noise Exposure Level ( DNEL )
DNEL means the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (SPL)
corrected for a working day of 8 hours.

DNEL is denoted by LEX, 8h

Where;
LeqTe is the A-weighted equivalent continuous SPL for the effective
duration of the working day

Te is the effective duration of the working day

T0 is the reference duration, T0 = 8 hour

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 7

Daily Personal Noise Dose ( DPND )
DPND meansthe cumulative noise exposure of an employee
corrected for a normal working day of 8 hours.
DPND is derived directly from noise dosimeter.

When T = 8 h and Leq = 85 dB(A) (NEL),

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 8

Excessive Noise

Excessive noise means –

❖ daily noise exposure level (Leq over 8-hr) exceeding 82dB(A); or
❖ daily personal noise dose (cumulative noise exposure of an
employee corrected for a normal working day of eight hours)
exceeding 50%; or
❖ maximum sound pressure level (SPL) exceeding 115dB(A) at any
time or, peak SPL exceeding 140 dB(C).

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 9

Peak S P L and Maximum S P L
❖ Peak SPL means the highest C-weighted instantaneous sound
pressure level of any impact

Peak SPL is 140 dB(C)

❖ Maximum SPL means the highest A-weighted sound pressure

that should not be exceeded at any time

Maximum SPL is 115 dB(A)

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 10

2.0 Identification
of Excessive Noise

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 11

2.0 Identification of Excessive Noise
Identify employees who may be exposed to excessive
noise so that their exposures can be assessed
Involve participation of :
✔ The affected employees
✔ Those who understand the works, operations / processes
✔ Those who have knowledge of the work situation
Use of checklist (ICOP-Appendix 1)
✔ can be done by employer
Employer shall re-identify excessive noise:
✔ If there has been a change in the machinery, equipment, process,
work, control measures or operation, in which any employee may be
exposed to excessive noise.
✔ not more than 1 year since the last identification of excessive noise, if
the identification result shows no exposure to excessive noise.
✔ If directed by Director-General.
12
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE
 Identification of Excessive Noise (cont..)
❑ Installation, modification or removal
of machinery The examples of
changes :-
❑ A change in workload or equipment
operating conditions likely to cause
a significant change in noise levels
START

❑ A change in building structure likely

to affect noise levels

❑ Modification of working
arrangements affecting the length of
time employees would spend in noisy
place of works

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 13

 ICOP - Appendix 1
❑ Noise Hazard
Identification Checklists

✔ Noise risk
assessment need to
be carried out if any
question is
answered 'Yes'.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 14

 ICOP - Appendix 1 (cont..)
Excessive Noise Identification Questions Yes No
1. Is a raised voice needed to communicate with someone about
one meter away?

2. Do your employees notice a reduction in hearing over the course

of the day?
Example: Need to turn up the radio on the way home, etc.
3. Are your employees using noisy powered tools or machinery?
Example: Power tool/noisy machinery – drill, air compressor, etc.

4. Are there noises due to impacts or explosive sources?

Example:
(a) Noise due to impact – hammer, pneumatic impact tools
(b) Explosive source – explosive powered tools, detonators, etc.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 15

 ICOP - Appendix 1 (cont..)
Excessive Noise Identification Questions Yes No
5. Are personal hearing protectors (PHP) used for some work?

6. Do your workers complaint that there is too much noise or that

they can’t clearly hear instructions or warning signals?
7. Do your workers experience ringing in ears or sound heard
differently in each ear?
8. Has any employee start experiencing difficulties in hearing after
working here?
9. Does any equipment have manufacturer’s information (including
labels) indicating noise levels greater than any of the following:

(a) Peak sound presseure level of 140 dB(C)

(b) Sound pressure level of 82 dB(A)
10. Is the latest noise risk assessment indicates exposure to Noise
Exposure Limit?

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 16

3.0 Concept of Noise
Risk and Noise Risk
Assessment

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 17

 Concept of Noise Risk
SOUND EXPOSUR
PRESSURE
+ E
LEVEL DURATIO
N

HEARING LOSS

The excess risk of developing occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) for a 40-year
lifetime exposure at the 85 dB(A) is 8%, which is considerably lower than the 25% excess risk
at the 90 dBA permissible exposure limit currently enforced by the US OSHA and the US Mine
Safety and Health Administration (Berenice G., Colin H.H and Gustav A.S. (eds) (1995). Occupational
exposure to noise: evaluation, prevention and control. World Health Organization)
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 18
Concept of Noise Risk
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS AT 4 kHz AS A FUNCTION OF
NOISE EXPOSURE LEVEL AND EXPOSURE DURATION
2
5
45 years
25 years
HEARING LOSS (dB)
15
years
1
5 HEARING 5
1 LOSS years
0

0
7 7 80 85 90
0 5 NOISE EXPOSURE LEVEL, Leq (dB (A)
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 19
Concept of Noise Risk Assessment

Identify where there may be a risk from noise and who is likely to be
affected;

Contain a reliable estimate of employees exposure and compare

the exposure with exposure limits;

Identify what is needed to be done to comply with the law, e.g.

whether training is necessary and noise control measures or hearing
protection are needed, and, if so, where and what type;

Identify any employees who need to be periodically monitored

and be provided with health surveillance and whether any are at
particular risk.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 20

Purpose of Noise Risk Assessment

Assessment identifies:

workers exposed to hazardous noise who require hearing

protection,
audiometric test, information, instruction and training.

noisy areas which shall be posted with warning signs, and may
identify
sources for noise control options.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 21

Objectives of Noise Risk Assessment

Identify all employees likely to be exposed to excessive noise;

Obtain information on noise sources and work practices that will

help in formulation of new measures to reduce noise;

Check the effectiveness of existing control measures;

Help in selection of appropriate PHP;

Demarcate hearing protection zones; and

Determine the need for establishing and implementing HCP.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 22

4.0 Noise Risk
Assessment
Methodology

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 23

Scope of Noise Risk Assessment
❑ Instrumentation
• Sound level meter
• Noise dosimeter
Sound level meter
• Sound calibrator

❑ Methodology
Noise
• Area monitoring dosimeter
• Personal monitoring

❑ Findings and interpretation of

results
❑ Recommendations Sound calibrator
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 24
Methodology : Area Monitoring

❖ Noise source measurement

• to determine the sound emitted by noise
sources.
• to characterize noise sources (type of noise).

❖ Noise mapping
• to identify noisy machinery, process and
areas.
• to define hearing protection zone.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 25

 Determining Noise Sources
i. Sources of noise levels must be monitored and recorded, including
noise emitted by machines. Measurement of noise source levels
ensures the priority for noise controls.

ii. NRA shall record the noise levels in accordance with the
recommended sampling method.

iii. It is recommended that noise levels be measured at different times

during the task or at different areas having the same machine type
or model to ensure that the variation in noise levels is captured.

iv. If it is not possible to follow the recommended sampling method, the

NRA shall verify his method and justification shall be included as part
of the Noise Risk Assessment Report.
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 26
Example of Noise Sources
❑ Plantation
Tractor
Lorry
Pesticide applicator (mist blower)

❑ Construction
Piling machine
Jackhammers
Dump trucks
Cement mixers
Cement cutters
Bar bending machine

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 27

Noise Source Measurement
Method 1
• Switch off all sources of noise.
• Stand about 1 meter from a machinery at a height about 1 meter.
• Set SLM to slow response and read the reading.
• At least 3 measurements are made and the average result is recorded.

The meter is tilted at an

angle (70°) and pointed
towards the noise
source

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 28

Noise Source Measurement (cont..)
Method 2
• Stand about 1 meter from a machinery at a height about 1
meter.
• Set SLM to slow response.
• Measure total noise level (Lt)
• Switch off the machinery, measure the background noise (Lb)
• dB difference = Lt - Lb
• Use table or graph to get dB
• Machinery’s noise level = Lt - dB

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 29

Subtracting Sound Level
8
7
6

5
4
3
2

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 89 10
dB difference: total & background noise (Lt-Lb)

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 30

Exercise 1
What is the noise level of machine B, given that the background
noise at B is 89 dB(A) and the total noise at B is 95 dB(A) ?

A B? C

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 31

Identify Types of Noise
❑ Walk through survey.
❑ Set sound level meter (SLM) to slow response.
❑ Observe the degree of fluctuations of the SPL:
• Steady Noise - fluctuations 3 dB or less
• Fluctuating Noise - fluctuations more than 3 dB
• Intermittent Noise
• Impulse Noise

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 32

Types of Noise
❑ Based on whether it is produced continuously or suddenly drop
to ambient level several times during the period of observation,
noise can be described as:
▪ continuous; or
▪ Intermittent

❑ Based on degree of fluctuations, noise can be classified as:

▪ steady noise
▪ fluctuating noise
▪ impulsive noise

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 33

 Types of Noise (cont…)
Type of Steady Noise Fluctuating Noise Impulse / Impact Noise
noise

Description Noise levels are fairly Noise levels are not A sudden loud noise
steady and meter steady and meter that differs greatly
reading on slow reading on slow from the normal noise
response does not response varies over a 3 levels experienced in
fluctuate more than 3 to 10 dB range. the workplace.
dB.
Sampling A spot measurement, one (1) meter from the machine and the floor level (if
Method possible). For each noise source, at least three (3) measurements shall be
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE
taken and the average result is recorded. 34
 Noise Mapping
❑ Noise Zoning (Mandatory)
PURPLE ZONE
• Areas > 140 dB(C)
• Areas > 115 dB(A) PURPLE ZONE

• Areas > 85 to 115 dB(A) RED ZONE

• Areas > 82 to 85 dB(A) YELLOW ZONE
• Areas ≤ 82 dB(A) WHITE ZONE

❑ Noise Contouring (Not mandatory)

• Detailed noise mapping.
• Contours of specific level established.
• Useful for identifying noise sources for implementing engineering
control measures.
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 35
Noise Zoning
Sound Pressure Level Colour Zone
> 140 dB(C)
Purple
> 115 dB(A)
> 85 to 115 dB(A) Red
> 82 to 85 dB(A) Yellow
≤ 82 dB(A) White

> 85 to 115 dB(A)

Noise source
> 82 to 85 dB(A)

≤ 82 dB(A)
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 36
Example of Noise Contouring

96 93 90 87

Noise
source

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 37

Noise Mapping Procedure
Decide on the specific noise zones based on the purpose of the
mapping and preliminary survey.
Prepare sketch of work area with machinery layout.
Prepare grid on the floor.
Walk through the general area with SLM set at 'slow' response and
identify points where readings are:
▪ for noise zoning : at the noise exposure limit of 85dB(A) and
the excessive noise level of 82dB(A).
▪ For noise contouring : at predetermined noise levels of
interest, e.g. 90 dB(A), 87 dB(A), etc.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 38

Noise Mapping Procedure (cont..)

Hold the SLM at height of approximately 1 meter.

Observe the instrument’s response for about 5 seconds for each
measurement and estimate the indicated mean sound level
value.
Mark the point on the sketch.
Repeat until a contour map could be obtained.
Plot the noise zones by connecting the measurement points.
For noise zoning, specific colour zone is given in the ICOP.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 39

Personal Exposure Monitoring

❖ The estimate of employees’ exposure should be representative of

the work that they do, taking into account:
▪ the work they do or are likely to do;
▪ the ways in which they do the work; and
▪ how it might vary from one day to the next.

❖ The estimate must be based on reliable information, e.g.

measurements in the workplace, information from other similar
workplaces or data from suppliers of machinery.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 40

 Personal Exposure Monitoring (cont..)

❖ To evaluate employee's exposure to noise during his entire work

shift for employees who are or likely to be exposed to excessive
noise.

❖ Measurement to reflect the normal operation of the work process.

❖ Select the most exposed employees from each similar exposure

group (SEG).

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 41

 Similar Exposure Group (SEG)

❑ A similar exposure group (SEG) is a group of workers that are

performing the same job and are expected to have similar noise
exposures during the working day.
▪ may be possible to define such groups according to job title,
function, work area or profession.
▪ alternatively, the groups can be defined by analysing the
work according to production, process or work activity
criteria.

❑ In whichever way the groups are defined, they should be verified in

consultation with the HCA, supervisor and employees.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 42

Most Exposed Employees
✔ Most exposed employee(s) is the employee or group of employees
believed to have the greatest exposure so that their exposure may
be measured.

✔ Select the most exposed employees by observation based on these

criteria:
▪ employee closest to the source, such as work directly with the
noise source (tools, machinery, etc.);
▪ work near or frequently pass through areas with noise
exposure;
▪ work in noise area for a long period of time; or
▪ bad work habits resulting in higher exposures

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 43

Personal Exposure Monitoring Procedure
Measure employees exposure using dosimeter:
1. Identify equipment.
2. Assemble the equipment.
3. Check battery level.
4. Set noise dosimeter to
Criterion Level: Lc = 85 dB(A);
Threshold Level: Lt = 80 dB(A);
Exchange Rate: q = 3 dB;
Time Constant = “Slow”; and
Peak Level = 140 dB(C);
Maximum setting = 115 dB(A).
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 44
Personal Exposure Monitoring Procedure (cont..)
5. Perform pre-calibration.
6. Record equipment identification number and employee's
personal details in data sheet (Appendix 2 ICOP).
7. Mount microphone on top of shoulder at a distance of at least
10cm from the entrance of the external ear canal at the side of the
most exposed ear and should be about 4 cm above the shoulder.
The microphone and cable to be fastened in such a way that
mechanical influence or covering by clothing do not lead to false
results.

8. Brief the worker on the do’s and don’ts.

9. Switch on the dosimeter and record the start time.
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 45
 Personal Exposure Monitoring Procedure (cont..)
10. Let worker continue with his normal work.
11. Check the dosimeter from time to time.
12. Pause the dosimeter during lunch break (if lunch is taken outside the
workplace).
▪ if dosimeter could not be paused, assessor should collect dosimeter
and keep safely at suitable place which will not tamper the data.
13. Observe worker and surrounding work area especially relating
to noise exposure situations.
14. Record the reading and the termination time.
15. Post calibration.
16. Switch off dosimeter.
17. Print the reading.
18. Check validity of measurements.
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 46
Personal Exposure Monitoring Procedure (cont..)
❑ Validity of measurements:

✔ Any peak sound pressure levels recorded by noise dosimeter

not validated by observation to be investigated and
commented in report.
✔ monitoring for the entire working shift (e.g. 8-hour shift,
12-hour shift, etc.).
✔ feedback from supervisor and workers.
✔ spot noise measurements to verify.
✔ examination of dosimeter log (time history) at end of shift.
✔ taking into consideration sources of uncertainty.

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 47

Sources of Uncertainty
Uncertainty
▪ Variations in daily work, operating
conditions, uncertainty in
sampling, etc.
▪ Instrumentation and calibration
▪ Microphone position
▪ False contributions, e.g. from wind,
airflows or impact on the mic and
mic rubbing on clothing
▪ contributions from non-typical
noise sources, speech, music,
alarm signals and non-typical
behaviour.
NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE
Comments
▪ expected to be highest for a mobile
worker among non-constant noise
sources.
▪ depends on what class of
instrumentation and calibrator is used.
▪ depends on where the microphone is
fixed.
▪ should be reduced by good practice.
▪ sources shall be identified during work
analysis and it shall be decided
whether they are to be included or
not.
48
5.0
Interpretation of
Assessment
Results

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 49

5.0 Interpretation of Results
❑ Determine the daily noise exposure level, LEX,8h and the daily
personal noise dose.
❑ Compare measurement results with the noise exposure limits
(NEL) as stipulated under the Occupational Safety and Health
(Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019.

▪ DNEL exceeding 85dB(A);

▪ DPND exceeding 100% ;
▪ Maximum SPL exceeding 115 dB(A) at any time;
or
▪ Peak SPL exceeding 140 dB(C)

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 50

Example 1
Case 1:
Working hours : 10 hours
Morning break : 20 minutes
Lunch break : 45 minutes
Tea break : 20 minutes

✔ Employee was exposed to noise 87 dB(A) measured by

noise dosimeter.
✔ Measurement is paused during lunch time.

Calculate the L EX and dose for 8 hours equivalent exposure

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 51

Example 1 (cont..)
𝑇𝑒
L = LeqTe + 10 log(
𝑇0
)
EX, 8h
dB(A)
= 87
L
eqTe dB(A),

Effective duration Te = 10 hr – 45 min

= 9.25 hr
So L = 87+ 8
EX, 8h
10log
= (9.25
87.6 )
dB(A)... exceed NEL

Dose 𝑇
8 %
= 100 x ( ) x 10
(Leq-85)/10
= 100 x8(9.25) x 10(87-85)/10
%
= 183.3 %.... exceed NEL

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 52

Example 2
Case 2:
Working hours : 10 hours
Morning break : 20 minutes
Lunch break : 45 minutes
Tea break : 20 minutes

✔ Employee was exposed to noise 87 dB(A) measured by noise

dosimeter.
✔ Morning breaks, tea breaks and lunch are taken at location
within the workplace.

Calculate the L EX and dose for 8 hours equivalent exposure

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 53
Interpretation of Results (cont..)
❑ Compare daily noise exposure level with NEL
❑ Considerations of the result of measurement, the sources of noise
and the circumstances under which the risk occur.
❑ Considerations of alternative processes, equipment or working
methods which would reduce the noise exposure or duration of
exposure, current good practice or the standard for noise control
within industry
❑ Findings of assessment to be recorded in the assessment report
(refer Appendix 2 ICOP)

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 54

 Tabulation: Area Monitoring
Working Job Spec. & No. of No. of Source of Type of Noise
Area Task employees employees noise noise level
monitored

Tabulation: Personal Monitoring

SEG Employee Work Duration DoseTe LeqTe LEX,8h Max Peak
name area % level level

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 55

6.0 Recommendations

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 56

6.0 Recommendations by NRA
❖ Recommendations presented in Table A4 (refer Appendix 2 ICOP)
❖ Specific to the SEG’s area of work
▪ e.g. specific engineering control, NRR for PHP, daily
exposure duration limits for job rotation
❖ Relating to specific provisions in the Regulations, e.g.:
• Employees requiring audiometric testing
• employees to.be given information, instruction and
training on hearing conservation program (HCP)
• areas to be posted with warning signs on high noise levels
and wearing of personal hearing protectors (PHP)

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 57

Table A4: Recommendations of Control Measure
SEG LEX,8h Max Peak Noise Type of Existing Recommended
level level source control control control
measure measure measure (state
references)
Engineering

Administrative

PHP

Others

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 58

7.0 Summary

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 59

7.0 Summary
Those at risk of noise induced hearing loss are those exposed to
excessive noise, especially those exceeding the noise exposure
limits.

Identification of excessive noise will determined the requirement

to conduct Noise Risk Assessment.

Noise Risk Assessment is conducted by the NRA to assess the noise

risk of employees at a workplace based on similar exposure
groups.

Quantitative assessments of personal exposures are made and

compared with the noise exposure limits.

Control measures recommended to employees exceeding the

noise exposure limits. NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 60
Any Questions?

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 61

 Industrial Hygiene and Ergonomics Division
Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia

NOISE RISK ASSESSMENT MODULE 62