Industrial Noise Exposure Evaluation
a 2-day practical workshop

June 17 - 18, 2010

Noise is the most common environmental pollutant and the most widely occurring health hazard in industrial workplaces. Even new manufacturing plants, unless designed with input from an occupational hygienist or noise specialist, are often constructed with significant built in employee noise exposures. Evaluation of these exposures is essential to identify employees at risk and workplace areas where noise control is required. A knowledge of noise monitoring, and basic noise control strategies is necessary to run an effective noise control program.

A prerequisite for any hearing conservation plan is the identification of all plant operations that contribute to noise exposure of the employees and to quantify the contribution they make. Efforts can then be directed to reducing noise exposures through engineering controls and other measures in order to protect the hearing of all employees.

The assessment of workplace noise exposure requires an understanding of basic acoustic principles and familiarity with the instrumentation and procedures used to characterize the acoustic environment of the workplace. This course introduces the theoretical principles and practical skills required by the occupational health professional to evaluate potential noise exposures and formulate the basis of a noise exposure control program. With this knowledge, it is possible for industrial hygienists to accurately quantify worker exposures and use this data to develop noise control solutions.

Course Objective

The objective of this course is to provide each participant with a fundamental understanding of noise and its effects on human hearing, noise measurement techniques and basic noise control principles.

Topics Covered

Topics covered in the course include: the fundamental physics of sound; the physiology of hearing and hearing loss; non auditory impacts of noise exposure; noise exposure standards and guidelines; the operation of sound level meters and noise dosimeters; octave band analysis; sound measurement calculations; the use of computer programs for noise exposure data analysis; sound measurement reporting. Special considerations relating to community noise evaluation will also be discussed.

The course includes hands-on experience with several simulated measurement scenarios to ensure that the participant can take valid noise measurements with confidence. Practical exercises in performing the more common calculations associated with computing noise exposures will also contribute to the participants understanding of noise monitoring and noise exposure evaluation.

In order to complete this course the participant should have a basic understanding of algebra and logarithmic notation. Each participant should bring a basic scientific calculator in order to perform the calculations required in the exercises. The calculator should have the ability to calculate basic logarithmic functions. More elaborate functions are not required.

During the course, several different techniques will be described for using computer spreadsheets to process noise data. Participants, who have a laptop computer they can bring to the course, will be able to use it to advantage during some of the practical exercises. Simple software programs and spreadsheet templates will be provided to participants. Although useful, a computer is not required in order to take the course.

Our goal is to ensure that every course participant is comfortable with the measurement technology, techniques and strategies of sound level measurement for occupational noise exposure assessment.

REGISTRATION:

Contact ALARA by phone at (416)759-9579, fax at (416)759-0372, or e-mail info@alara.ca if you wish further information. A registration form is available here. This form can be printed, filled out and mailed to ALARA together with the course fee.

FEE:

$813.75 (includes 5% G.S.T.) Payable to ALARA Industrial Hygiene Services by cheque or purchase order on company letterhead.

Registration fee includes course manual and materials. A $190 cancellation fee is payable for cancellation less than 10 business days before the course.