azali@TH_Plantation 1

Monitoring Noise Exposure

Nor Azali Bin AzmirNoise & Vibration Lab

Faculty of Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering, UTHM

azali@TH_Plantation 2

Presentation Outline

• The physics of Noise• Factories and Machinery Act (Noise Exposure)

Regulation 1989• Noise Control• Instrumentation• Noise measurement• Conclusion

azali@TH_Plantation 3

Terminology of Sound & Noise• Sound – Vibrations

transmitted through an elastic solid or a liquid or gas, with frequencies in the approximate range of 20 to 20,000 hertz, capable of being detected by human organs of hearing

• Noise – unwanted sound• Chronology – source,

distance and receiver• Characteristics – amplitude

and frequency• Unit – decibel (dB)

azali@TH_Plantation 4

Types of Noise

Steady state Continuous or Non-continuous

Fluctuating Impulsive

Single events Repeated impulse

Intermittent Steady or Fluctuating

azali@TH_Plantation 5

Legislation & Health Effect

• Factories and machinery (noise exposure) regulation 1989– Monitoring techniques (Area monitoring &

personal monitoring)– Permissible exposure limits (First schedule)– Warning signs for area exceed than 90 dB

• Hearing impairment / hearing lost– Audiometric test– Permanent and temporary threshold limits

azali@TH_Plantation 6

Hierarchy of Noise Control Measures

• Noise reduction Substitution (quieter method of work or

equipment) Engineering Control (Absorption, Insulation,

Distance, Silencer, Vibration isolation & Damping)• Exposure Reduction

Administrative procedures and arrangements Use of hearing protection devices

azali@TH_Plantation 7

Instrumentation

Noise Competent Person requirement :-• Noise Dosimeter • Sound Level Meter• Calibrator

Employer requirement :-• Exposure monitoring type• Factory Layout• General Process Flow

azali@TH_Plantation 8

Noise Measurement

• Noise Survey• How noise is each work area• What are the noise generators(output – noise mapping & zoning)

• Who are exposed• How long are they exposed(output – PEL & Dose)

Area Monitoring

Personal Monitoring

azali@TH_Plantation 9

Conclusion

• Each sound has their own source, has their own energy to transmit and human as a receiver (interpret as noise)

• Penalty not exceed RM 1000 if not comply with regulation

• Hearing loss is irreversible!!!!• Set the date to conduct noise monitoring

exposure (work activity & factory layout)

azali@TH_Plantation 10

The End of Presentation

THANK YOU… ANY QUESTIONS !!!