Donate SIGN UP

Sound level meter calibration

Avatar Image
erniemorton | 13:18 Mon 03rd Mar 2008 | Science
3 Answers
Is it a Health and Safety requirement to ensure sound level meters used to measure the level in a workplace, factory, shop, etc are calibrated?.
Thanks
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 3 of 3rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by erniemorton. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 require an employer to make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/regulations.htm

This is achieved by 'adequate' monitoring. How frequently must a meter be calibrated for it to be described as 'adequate'?
Question Author
Thanks Kempie.
In answer to Kempie�s question � as to how frequently must a sound meter need to be calibrated for it to be described as adequate, depends to some extent on the noise levels you are measuring.

If for example you are recording levels less than 60dB(A), then you can tolerate a considerable meter error and still be fairly certain that you are well under the limits � and therefore I would suggest you could get away with a calibration period of up to 5 years. If however you are recording values within 5dB(A) or so of the limit, then not only will you need to make more regular measurements to ensure compliance � but should have the meter calibrated on an annual basis.

Some sound pressure meters are supplied with a �calibrated source�, which consists of a small unit which fits over the meter microphone and provides a preset noise level. This is not really a calibration, but a check that the meter is working and giving an output response somewhere close to the expected reading.

The bottom line is that you could be required to defend your sound meter calibration regime (and results recorded) in a court of law � in defense of a damages claim.

1 to 3 of 3rss feed

Do you know the answer?

Sound level meter calibration

Answer Question >>

Related Questions

Sorry, we can't find any related questions. Try using the search bar at the top of the page to search for some keywords, or choose a topic and submit your own question.