Occupational Noise Sound Level Meter - OSHA

Which meter?

Any of the above meters will be adequate for an OSHA noise survey, but please read the notes on this page titled Do I Need Peak? and Integrating Meter?.

All of these meters meet the ANSI S1.4 standard to Type 2, as required by the regulations. They also measure the A weighted Slow sound level (minimum requirement of the regulations).

The prices above are for the sound level meter. Most occupational noise regulations state that you should check the meter's function before making measurements. This is carried out using a Sound Level Calibrator. Prices for kits that include a Calibrator are shown on the meter's page.

Prefer a Dosimeter?

These hand-held sound level meters are used for making manual noise measurements, from which you can calculate a worker's Time Weighted Average, or TWA.

Another option is to use a noise dosimeter like the doseBadge, which mounts on the worker's shoulder and measures the TWA over a full working day. More information...

Integrating Meter?

An Integrating sound level meter averages the sound level, effectively smoothing your reading. This is very useful for noise levels that are not constant, and recommended by many noise measurement regulations. Although not demanded by the OSHA regulations, we do recommend the use of an integrating sound level meter.

Do I Need Peak?

The Z-weighted Peak is used to check for loud banging noise. This is not the same as Max Sound Level (see Min, Max, Peak for more information). You should have a sound level meter with Peak measurement if there is any chance that employees are exposed to loud banging noise.

Do I Need Data Logging?

No you don't. There is nothing in the regulations that suggests this. For many occupational noise measurements you will be recording one or two numbers, so data logging is not necessary. However, it can make the process more efficient if you have lots of measurements to make or if you are then using the measurements to calculate a worker's TWA.