Dear Hearing Loss Wiki,
In Canada, what is the maximum level of noise allowed for the workplace environment, if one were to work for 8 continuous hours? Please describe instruments that measure sound as well.
Thanks,
Ludwig Van Beethoven.
In Canada, the maximum level of noise allowed for the workplace environment, if one were to work for 8 continuous hours is 87 dB. However, provincial and territorial jurisdictions can set their own noise exposure limits for 8 hours, such as Quebec at 90 dB and Ontario at 85 dB. When measuring sound in the workplace, there are 3 main instruments used – sound level meter, integrating sound level meter and a noise dosimeter.
The sound level meter (SLM) is made up of a stick-like microphone, a frequency weighting data, an rms circuit, a data processor and an output device. Sound passes through the microphone and the electronic circuits amplify and filter the sound and then measured and displayed on the output device which can be an LCD screen. The sound level meter only displays the instantaneous sound pressure level at a defined location.
When an average sound pressure level over a period of time is required, an integrating sound level meter (ISML) is used. This instrument works similarly to the sound level meter and dosimeter but measures instantaneous sound pressure levels over a period time at a defined location. This means that even if the sound pressure level changes as it is being measured, the ISLM will not pick up these changes. When an average measurement of sound pressure levels over a period of time at frequently changing locations is required, a dosimeter is used. A dosimeter is a small portable device that can be clipped on to a collar or somewhere near the ear area. This instrument stores the average level of noise and averages the sound pressure level.
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