NIOSH Sound Level Meter App: Your Guide to Workplace Noise Safety

Protecting your hearing in noisy workplaces is crucial. The NIOSH Sound Level Meter app offers a convenient and accurate way to measure noise levels, helping you identify potential hearing hazards. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the app's features, functionality, and how to use it effectively to ensure a safer work environment and protect your hearing health. Learn how this free tool can empower you to take control of your workplace noise exposure.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. App Download and Setup

    • Download the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app from the App Store.
    • Launch the app. It will immediately display the background sound level.
    • Adjust settings (microphone selection, calibration, threshold levels, exchange rate, time, frequency weighting) in the fourth tab for accurate measurements.
    • Consult the help screens or download the user manual for guidance.
    Consult the help screens or download the user manual for guidance. Consult the help screens or download the user manual for guidance. Consult the help screens or download the user manual for guidance. Consult the help screens or download the user manual for guidance.
    App Download and Setup
  2. Conducting a Noise Measurement

    • Press the 'Start/Run' button to begin a measurement. The app will calculate various noise exposure metrics (LAeq, Max, Peak levels, Time Weighted Average, and Noise Dose).
    • Press the 'Stop/Pause' button to end the measurement. Use the 'Reset' button to start over if needed.
    Press the 'Stop/Pause' button to end the measurement. Use the 'Reset' button to start over if needed. Press the 'Stop/Pause' button to end the measurement. Use the 'Reset' button to start over if needed.
    Conducting a Noise Measurement
  3. Managing and Sharing Data

    • Save the measurement or share it using the app's communication features.
    • Review saved measurements in the second tab. You can email, copy, print, or return to the saved measurements list.
    Review saved measurements in the second tab. You can email, copy, print, or return to the saved measurements list. Review saved measurements in the second tab. You can email, copy, print, or return to the saved measurements list.
    Managing and Sharing Data
  4. Accessing Educational Resources

    • Access helpful information on occupational noise, hearing protection, and hearing loss prevention in the third tab.
    Access helpful information on occupational noise, hearing protection, and hearing loss prevention in the third tab.
    Accessing Educational Resources
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Tips

  • For more accurate readings, use an external calibrated microphone.
  • The app defaults to NIOSH RELs, but allows for OSHA PEL measurements.
  • Utilize the app's help screens and user manual for detailed instructions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Incorrect Measurement Position

Reason: Holding the sound level meter too close to or too far from the noise source, or at the wrong angle, can lead to inaccurate readings.
Solution: Position the meter at the worker's ear level, at a distance appropriate for the sound source, and ensure a clear line of sight to the source.

2. Ignoring Background Noise

Reason: Failing to account for ambient noise can significantly skew readings, especially in noisy environments, making it difficult to isolate the specific noise source of concern.
Solution: Perform background noise measurements separately and subtract them from the overall noise measurements to obtain a more accurate assessment of the noise source.

FAQs

Is the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app accurate enough for regulatory compliance?
While the NIOSH Sound Level Meter app is a useful tool for assessing noise levels and raising awareness, it's not a replacement for professionally calibrated sound level meters required for regulatory compliance. Official noise assessments for workplace safety should be conducted by qualified professionals using calibrated equipment.