06-Noise Risk Assessment

(NRA)
Noise Risk Assessor
Noise Risk Assessment

Learning Objectives
At the end of the session, participants will be able to:
i. Identify excessive noise.

ii. Carry out noise risk assessment.
iii. Carry out noise zoning.
iv. Calculate the LEX,8h and the daily personal noise
dose.
v. Interpret the findings of the noise risk assessment.
© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 2

Scope
• Terminologies
• Concept of Noise Risk and Noise Risk Assessment
• Identification of Excessive Noise
• Noise Risk Assessment Methodology
• Interpretation of Assessment Results
• Recommendations
• Summary

Terminologies
• Daily noise exposure level

• Daily personal noise dose
• Excessive noise
• Peak sound pressure level
• Sound pressure level and decibel

Sound Pressure Level (SPL)
• SPL means the level, in decibels, calculated as

twenty times the common logarithm of the ratio of
a sound pressure to the sound pressure of 20
micropascals.
𝑃
𝑆𝑃𝐿 = 20 log 𝑑𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑠
𝑃0
where P = sound pressure in micropascals
P0 = 20 micropascals (threshold of hearing)

Daily Noise Exposure Level (DNEL)
• DNEL means the equivalent continuous sound

pressure level (SPL) corrected for a normal
working day of 8 hours
• DNEL is denoted by LEX, 8h
𝑇
• 𝐿𝐸𝑋,8ℎ = 𝐿𝑒𝑞𝑇𝑒 + 10 log( 𝑒 ) dB(A)
𝑇𝑜
• LeqTe is the A-weighted equivalent continuous SPL for the

effective duration of the working day(=LAeqT)
• Te is the effective duration of the working day
• T0 is the reference duration, T0=8 hour
ISO 1999, Acoustics: Determination of Occupational Noise Exposure and
Estimation of Noise-Induced Hearing Impairment, Geneva 1990

Daily Noise Exposure Level (DNEL)
𝑇𝑒
𝐿𝐸𝑋,8ℎ = 𝐿𝑒𝑞𝑇𝑒 + 10 log( ) dB(A)
𝑇𝑜
• When Te = 8 hours,
8
• 𝐿𝐸𝑋,8ℎ = 𝐿𝑒𝑞𝑇𝑒 + 10 log( )
8
• 𝐿𝐸𝑋,8ℎ = 𝐿𝑒𝑞8

Daily Personal Noise Dose (DPND)
• DPND means the cumulative noise exposure of an

employee corrected for a normal working day of 8 hours
• DPND is derived directly from noise dosimeter
𝑇 𝐿𝑒𝑞 −85
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 = 100 × × 10 10 %
8
• When T = 8 h and Leq = 85 dB(A) (NEL),

85−85
8
𝐷𝑜𝑠𝑒 = 100 × × 10 10 %
8
= 100 %

Excessive Noise
• Excessive noise means-

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

Peak SPL and Maximum SPL
• 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)

Identification of Excessive Noise
Identify employees who may be exposed to excessive noise so that
their exposures can be assessed
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
➢more than 1 year have lapsed
• If the identification result shows no exposure to excessive noise,
employer shall re-identify excessive noise not more than 1 year since
the last identification of excessive noise.
➢directed by Director-General

ICOP-Appendix 1
• Noise Hazard Identification

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

ICOP-Appendix 1 (Cont..)

ICOP-Appendix 1 (Cont..)

Concept of Noise Risk
SOUND EXPOSURE
PRESSURE LEVEL + DURATION
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)

Concept of Noise Risk
NOISE-INDUCED HEARING LOSS AT 4 kHz AS A FUNCTION OF
25
NOISE-EXPOSURE LEVEL AND EXPOSURE DURATION
45 years
20 25 years
HEARING LOSS (dB)
15 years
15
5 years
10
70 75 80 85 90
NOISE EXPOSURE LEVEL, Leq (dB (A)
Noise Risk Assessment-Concept
• Identify where there may be a risk from noise and who

is likely to be affected;
• Contain a reliable estimate of employees’ exposures
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-Purpose
• 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-Objectives
• 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 effectiveness of existing control measures
• Help in selection of appropriate PHP
• Demarcate hearing protection zones; and
• Determine the need for establishing and
implementing HCP
Source : ICOP for Management of Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing Conservation 2019

Noise Risk Assessment-Scope
• Instrumentation
• Sound level meter
• Noise dosimeter
Sound level meter
• Sound calibrator
• Methodology
• Area monitoring Noise dosimeter
• Personal monitoring
• Findings and interpretation of results
• Recommendations
Sound calibrator

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.

Determining Noise Sources
i. Sources of noise levels must be monitored and recorded,

including noise emitted by machines, especially those in the
manufacturing sectors. 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 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 Source Measurement
Method 2
• Stand about 1 meter from a machinery at a height
about 1meter
• 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

Subtracting Sound Level
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
dB difference: total & background noise (Lt-Lb)

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

Identify Types of Noise
• Walk through survey.

• Set sound level meter (SLM) to slow response.
• Observe the degree of fluctuations of the SPL:
• Steady-fluctuations 3 dB or less
• Fluctuating-fluctuations more than 3 dB
• Intermittent noise
• Impulse noise

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

Types of Noise (cont…)
Type of Steady Noise Fluctuating Noise Impulse / Impact Noise
noise
Description Noise levels are fairly steady Noise levels are not steady A sudden loud noise that
and meter reading on slow and meter reading on slow differs greatly from the
response does not fluctuate response varies over a 3 to normal noise levels
more than 3dB 10dB range experienced in the
workplace
Sampling A spot measurement, one (1) meter from the machine and the floor level (if possible).
Method For each noise source, at least three (3) measurements shall be taken and the average
result is recorded

Noise Mapping
• Noise Zoning (Mandatory)

• Areas > 140 dB(C) PURPLE ZONE
• 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 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)© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 31

Example of Noise Contouring
96 93 90 87
Noise source

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 Mapping Procedure
• 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

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.

• 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)

Similar Exposure Group
• 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 workers,
supervisor and HCA.

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 in noise area for longer period of time;
• work near or frequently pass through areas with noise
exposure; or
• bad work habits resulting in higher exposures

• Measure employees exposure using noise
dosimeter:
1. Identify equipment.
2. Assemble the equipment.
3. Check battery level.
4. Set noise dosimeter to
➢ 85dB(A) criterion level;
➢ 80dB(A) threshold level;
➢ 3 dB exchange rate;
➢ 'slow response' time constant;
➢ peak 140 dB(C);
➢ maximum setting 115 dB(A).
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.
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.
• 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 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

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

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)

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 LEX and dose for 8 hours equivalent exposure

Example 1
𝑇
LEX, 8h = LeqTe + 10log ( 𝑒 ) dB(A)
𝑇0
LeqTe = 87 dB(A),
Effective duration Te =10 hr – 45 min

= 9.25 hr
9.25
So LEX, 8h = 87+ 10log ( )
8
= 87.6 dB(A)...exceed NEL
𝑇
Dose = 100 x (8) x 10 (Leq-85)/10 %
9.25
= 100 x ( 8
) x 10(87-85)/10 %
= 183.3 %....exceed NEL

Exercise 2
Case 2:
Working hours : 12 hours
Morning break : 20 minutes
Lunch break : 60 minutes
Tea break : 20 minutes
• An employee was exposed to noise of 87 dB(A) as measured by a

dosimeter
• Morning breaks, tea breaks and lunch are taken at location within the
workplace
Calculate his LEX and dose for 8 hours equivalent exposure

Interpretation of Results
• 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)

Tabulation: Area Monitoring
Working Job Spec. No. of No. of Source of Type of Noise

Area & Task employees employees noise noise level
monitored

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

Recommendations by NRA
• Recommendations presented
• 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
• areas to be posted warning signs on high noise levels
and wearing of personal hearing protectors (PHP)

Conclusion
• Those at risk of noise induced hearing loss are those

exposed to excessive noise, especially those
exceeding the noise exposure limits
• 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

Any Questions?

Thank You

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(NRA)

Noise Risk Assessor

Noise Risk Assessment

At the end of the session, participants will be able to:

i. Identify excessive noise.

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 2

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 3

• Daily noise exposure level

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 4

• SPL means the level, in decibels, calculated as

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 5

• DNEL means the equivalent continuous sound

• LeqTe is the A-weighted equivalent continuous SPL for the

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 6

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 7

• DPND means the cumulative noise exposure of an

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

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 8

• Excessive noise means-

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 9

• Peak SPL means the highest C-weighted

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 10

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,

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 11

• Noise Hazard Identification

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 12

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 13

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 14

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 15

• Identify where there may be a risk from noise and who

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 17

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 18

• Identify all employees likely to be exposed to

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 19

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 20

• Noise source measurement

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 21

i. Sources of noise levels must be monitored and recorded,

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 22

The meter is tilted

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 23

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 24

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 25

• What is the noise level of machine B, given that

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 26

• Walk through survey.

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 27

• Based on whether it is produced continuously or

• Based on degree of fluctuations, noise can be

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 28

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 29

• Noise Zoning (Mandatory)

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 30

> 85 to 115 dB(A)

≤ 82 dB(A)© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 31

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 32

• Decide on the specific noise zones based on the

• for noise contouring: at predetermined noise levels of

© 2019 NIOSH Malaysia. All rights reserved. 33