Written By: Robert E. Sheriff, MS, CIH, CSP, President
September 25, 2020
The method for performing noise surveys in an industrial location versus community noise ordinances are different.
Industrial facilities primary objective is OSHA Compliance with noise standards and preventing workers from hearing loss.
In commercial situations, the primary objective is compliance with Community Noise Ordinances to prevent excessive noise during the day and lower noise limits at night, particularly when commercial/industrial facilities are located near residential communities.
Industrial Noise Surveys
Industrial facilities must comply with OSHA Noise Regulation (29CFR1910.95 for General Industry and 29CFR1926.52 for Construction). The method for performing an occupational noise survey requires the use of noise dosimeters that are placed on a worker for their work shift to measure the average noise exposure over the period of time that the dosimeter is worn by the worker. Currently, noise dosimeters are so small they can be worn by the worker on his/her collar. The exposure limit for an 8-hour day is 90 dB-A with an Action Level of 85 dB-A for an 8-hour shift. If the 85 dB-A limit is equaled or exceeded, a Hearing Conservation Program is required including annual audiometric tests, voluntary use of suitable hearing protection, and training. If the 90 dB-A is equaled or exceeded, then an effort to reduce the noise by engineering measures is required, as well as a Hearing Conservation Program.
Generally, the use of a handheld noise meter is also needed to pinpoint the noise levels that may be contributing to the overexposure.
Community Noise Surveys
Community Noise Surveys are different. Most communities have noise ordinances that limit the amount of noise at the property line or the nearest residential housing. Different limits are generally set for day time limits and a lower level for nighttime.
For example:
| Community X | 7:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. – Maximum Sound Level in dB-A – 65 dB-A |
| 9:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. – Maximum Sound Level in dB-A – 50 dB-A |
Measured at the nearest residential property line.
The times for meeting the allowable noise vary from community to community as does the measurement devices that must be used. Some communities have lower noise limits on weekends as well.
The noise ordinance is public information and must be published online for each community and is generally easy to access via the internet.
We have the knowledge and equipment to perform both industrial and community noise measurements. We can assist in making the necessary corrections where violations occur. Contact us at 973-366-4660, email info@atlenv.com or fill out our secure online form.
Our primary service areas for Noise Surveys, Noise Testing, for Industrial and Community are New Jersey NJ, New York NY, (New York City), Pennsylvania PA, Connecticut CT, Delaware DE, Massachusetts, (Boston) MA, Rhode Island RI, Washington DC, Wisconsin WI, Maryland MD, Michigan MI, Illinois (Chicago) IL, Virginia VA, Indiana IN, Georgia (Atlanta) GA, Alabama AL, North Carolina NC, South Carolina SC, Tennessee TN, Texas (Dallas, Ft Worth) TX, Oklahoma OK, DC, Arkansas AR, Florida FL. We can service most other areas of the U.S. but with some added travel charges.