The need for measuring the employees’ noise exposure arises when noise survey indicates the possibility that the employees may be exposed to noise which exceeds the permissible limits set by noise regulation agencies or the limits set by the company. Personal noise exposure of employees is measured using a noise dosimeter to track their sound exposure over a period of time.

In occupational settings, a noise dosimeter is worn by the employee clipped on the lapel of worker near the ear. The dosimeter stores the noise level information and carries out an averaging process. It is useful in industry where noise intensity and duration tends to fluctuate, and where the employees move about in different areas. We use the latest ‘Badge’ dosimeters – the original wireless personal noise dosimeters, which means there are no cumbersome microphone cables and these are safer to wear.

The dosimeter is worn by the employee during the entire or part of the shift and the data collected will detail the history of the noise exposure and highlight where high exposures occur. The employee need not be attended by the person responsible for taking the noise measurement. The reliability of the noise data will depend on the employee’s cooperation in the proper use of the dosimeter. The following are some helpful tips to ensure employees’ cooperation in noise dosimetry:

• The employees should be made aware about the purpose of measurement.
• The significance of accurate noise data in assessing the need for noise control should be clearly explained.
• It is equally imperative to state the importance of constant wearing of the same during the measurement period.
• The repercussions of tampering with the microphone – shouting in it, using it to knock on doors, etc. should be discussed at length.

Usually, the manufacturer electronically adjusts dosimeters to the criterion level and exchange rate in use. One may have to adjust them in synchronicity with the exposure guidelines/standards in operation in one’s jurisdiction. The calibration and start-stop timings must be checked before giving out dosimeters and after the end of the measurement period.
The Dose Badge used by our company is a self-contained, innovative instrument and perfect solution for personal noise measurement for people on the move, shift workers, and people working in remote areas. It is an ideal, safe and east-to-use device for occupational and industrial hygiene noise measurements and provides a customized solution for these applications. By fusing a creative light-weight design with reliable operation, the dose Badge weighs only 51g/1.8oz. With no cables, controls or displays, the dose Badge makes for an exceptional ease of use device especially ruling out the risks of tampering or damaging the tool involved in traditional style units. As a dual channel instrument, it will measure, assess and evaluate the parameters necessary for compliance with MOM noise regulations, which include LAeq, LCPeak & LEP,d as well as % Dose, LAVG & TWA.

Legal requirement for personal noise dosimetry:

As per Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines – Hearing Conservation Programme 2014, every worker who is exposed to or likely to be exposed to high noise levels shall be included in the noise monitoring exercise. The noise monitoring exercise refers to taking into account personal noise dosimeter measurement of individual workers using personal dosimeter. This requirement has been stated by MOM in their revised guidelines of Workplace Safety and Health Guidelines – Hearing Conservation Programme 2014. As per the guidelines, workers shall be clubbed together based on similar exposure to noise. Depending on the number of personnel in a Similar Exposure Group, the list of workers to be taken for personal noise dosimeter measurement shall be determined.
Our company offers fully-equipped and efficient personnel for performing personal noise exposure measurement. Our cordial noise monitoring officers will fully co-operate with the occupier’s representative in forming a Similar Exposure Group, identifying the suitable worker for personal noise measurement, installing the personal dosimeter on the workers lapel of worker near the ear, and instructing the safe handling method of the personal dosimeter instrument to the workforce.

Frequency of noise measurement:

The frequency of noise monitoring will be tuned to the noise monitoring operation, that is, whenever the occupier (factory permit holder) gets the noise mapping done, personal noise dosimeter measurement will be performed simultaneously.

Competency required in handling the personal dosimeter:

The personnel who handle the personal dosimeter are trained in requisite skills needed for the job.
The competency required for Noise Monitoring Officer in Singapore is as follows:

• Undertaken and passed the Noise Monitoring officer course;
• Skilled in handling /calibrating personal dosimeter;
• Requisite know-how of downloading the data from the personal dosimeter using the software;
• Must be able to provide the management with good advice on the proper noise control measures;
• Should evaluate specific machinery or noise source for noise control, and determine the most practical and effective methods of reducing the noise to meet the desired criteria; and
• Should develop a comprehensive noise control plan with recommendations on engineering noise controls where practicable.

Purpose of personal noise dosimeter measurement:

An effective HCP can eliminate or minimise noise hazard. Strong commitment by the management and active involvement by the employees are critical for the success of the HCP. Therefore, management should take the appropriate steps to encourage employees’ participation in the development and implementation of the HCP.
If a person is exposed over an eight-hour work shift to varying degrees of noise levels, it demands a calculation of an equivalent sound level which would equate with the same cumulative sound energy exposure. This would have the same effect on the person’s hearing as the variable exposure actually received. Wearing the dosimeter over a complete work shift gives the average noise exposure or noise dose for that person. The purpose of the personal dosimeter monitoring is to get the most accurate noise exposure level of an individual employee in order to monitor and control the same. This would also help in delineating hearing protection areas.

Submission of noise monitoring report to MOM:

being an MOM approved noise monitoring company, we undertake to submit personal noise dosimeter measurement on behalf of our clients.