Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426:reg:10:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00426
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 10 (pt 1/5)
Character Range: 85563–88608

10                      75

Notes:
   1. If there is only one source of noise exposure, a quick glance at the background colour of the table cell corresponding to the sound level and duration of exposure will tell you if the worker is:
    (a) above the LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) exposure standard - Red
    (b) well below the LAeq,8h 85 dB(A) standard - Green
    (c) marginal (between LAeq,8h 80 and 85 dB(A)) – Yellow
  2.      For durations of exposure not listed in the table, add together the points from two durations that together give the same duration.  For example, for five hours at 95 dB(A), add together the points for four hours at 95 dB(A)  and one hour at 95 dB(A), i.e. 510 + 130, giving a total of 640 points.
  3.     The tables can be extended to include both higher and lower sound levels.  A change of 10 dB(A) results in a tenfold change in the points. For example, one hour exposure at 108 dB(A) will give 10 times the points for one hour at 98 dB(A), that is, 2500 points.
  4.      For shift lengths of 10 hours or more (*), the adjustments listed in Table 3 should be added to the LAeq,8h before comparing the result with the exposure standard for noise.

Example: Carpenter working a 10.5-hour shift using tools and machines listed below.

Machine/Process                  Measured Sound Level  Duration per shift
                                 LAeq,T dB(A)

Circular Saw – cutting hardwood  94                    2 h

Planer – planing hardwood        100                   3 h

Power Drill – drilling hardwood  87                    4 h

Hammering nails into wood        98                    10 min

Background                       70                    1 h 20 min

If you want to just quickly see if the carpenter is exposed above the LAeq,8h = 85 dB(A) noise standard, look up points for 94 dB(A) and 2 h in Table C1.  You will see that the cell is red, so you know without going any further that the carpenter is exposed to noise above the standard.

If you want to actually work out the carpenter's 8h-equivalent continuous noise level, LAeq,8h, then use Tables C1, C2 and C3 as below:

Machine/Process                  Sound Level   Duration per shift  Points
                                 LAeq,T dB(A)
Circular Saw – cutting hardwood  94            2 h                 200
Planer – planing hardwood        100           3 h                 2 h 800
                                                                   1 h 400
Power Drill – drilling hardwood  87            4 h                 80
Hammering nails into wood        98            10 min              42
Background                       70            1 h 20 min          1 h 0.4
                                                                   20 m 0.1
                                               Total 10.5 h        Total 1522.5

From Table C3:  LAeq,8h = 97 dB(A), but as the shift is 10.5 hours, an adjustment of +1 dB(A) is needed, hence the adjusted LAeq,8h = 98 dB(A).

Appendix D – Contents of a noise assessment report

Checklist: