Sound pollution and noise testing/monitoring will be performed using Instantel Class 1 sound level meters. These units can monitor using both the A and C scales and will be capable of providing sound exposure levels throughout the project. The noise level equipment can have alarms set based on the certain project specifications.
Noise Pollution from Construction Sites- Levels:
100 dB: After eight or more hours, serious damage can occur.Examples: Jackhammer, Pile-Driving 110 dB: Median pain threshold for humans 120 dB: Painful Level 130 dB: Jack hammer – hearing protection required 150 dB: Eardrum Rupture Level
In the inner ear, the organ responsible for our hearing is called the cochlea. Sound waves are absorbed through the cochlea and routed through to the brain. 110 dB (decibels) is universally understood to be the media pain threshold for humans. At 120-130 dB, the cochlea can become damaged and hearing loss is a legitimate concern. 120 dB is considered to be the “painful level”; while at 130dB, precautions to protect your hearing is necessary. 150 dB is the level at which our eardrums may rupture with exposure.
On many construction projects, the workers are constantly wearing hearing protection. This is because many of the construction activities, such as jackhammering and pile-driving, cause decibel levels ranging from 100dB-130dB. It is vital to the surrounding inhabitants that the construction noises caused by these activities are monitored and an alarm level is set before the noise reaches 130dB.
Not all project specifications require noise and sound pollution monitoring. In many project specifications, local noise ordinances will be stated as per the federal, state, and local regulations. The noise monitoring equipment will include a sound level microphone, a seismograph and geophone.
DRW & Associates has years of expertise in noise and sound-level monitoring. Read about our noise monitoring equipment below:
Noise testing/monitoring will be performed using Instantel Class 1 sound level meters. These units can monitor using both the A and C scales and will be capable of providing sound exposure levels throughout the project.
The procedure for monitoring sound will include monitoring of ambient (existing) sound levels during day and night hours, then on-site monitoring of sound levels associated with various construction operations as they are introduced. After these new operations have shown to be within noise limits a report will be provided that indicates this.
Should noise complaints arise, on-site testing will be performed to isolate the noise causing the concern, levels will be recorded to determine if the noise is within allowable limits and based on this finding appropriate action will be recommended.
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