Characterization and measurement of worksite impulse noise.
Source
Inter-Noise 84, Proceedings of the International Conference on Noise Control Engineering, December 3-5, 1984, Honolulu, Hawaii, Vol. II 1984;:803-808
Abstract
Measurement and hazard assessment of industrial impulse noise was investigated. The author suggests that in order to effectively develop a measurement approach to impulse noise, it must be determined to what extent impulse noise contributes to the noise exposure of the worker's total environment. Studies were designed focusing on data between 10 hertz and 40 kilohertz with a dynamic range of 72 decibels. The waveform was recorded by direct digital means. Information relating amplitude and waveform envelope were needed to make a descriptor useful. However, independence from signal duration was also required. Such a descriptor would be equally useful in measuring noise generated by construction work, punch press or forges, or general material impact. A total of 35 samples of noise with a duration of 204.8 milliseconds were rank ordered on the basis of Kurtosis. Percentage doses were calculated for the 3 decibel and 5 decibel trading rules and compared for barrel recycling, forging, stamping, and coin blanking. Some discrepancies were noted between physical description and potential hazard which suggested that ultimately factors other than physical description must be incorporated into the definition of impulse noise. The author states that the sensitivity of the structure must also be considered. The author concludes that threshold levels in employee populations in industries which produce noise of different spectral components must be compared before rigorous treatment of impulse hazard can be determined.
Keywords
Measurement-equipment; Impulse-noise; Noise-measurement; Acoustical-measurements; Industrial-noise; Noise-waves; Standards; Industrial-hazards; Noise-analysis
Document Type
Conference/Symposia Proceedings
Source Name
Inter-Noise 84, Proceedings of the International Conference on Noise Control Engineering, December 3-5, 1984, Honolulu, Hawaii, Vol. II
