Occupational noise-induced hearing loss is one of the most common occupational hazards.

Exposure to high levels of noise may cause hearing loss, create physical and psychological stress, reduce productivity, interfere with communication, and contribute to accidents and injuries by making it difficult to hear warning signals.

Initial Noise Exposure Monitoring

The Section 9, Factories and Machineries (Noise Exposure) Regulations, 1989 (FMA 1989) requires employers to determine if employees are exposed to excessive noise in the workplace. If so, the employers must implement feasible engineering or administrative controls to eliminate or reduce hazardous levels of noise. Where controls are not sufficient, employers must implement an effective hearing conservation program. An employer shall carry out initial noise monitoring at workplace and must comply with the following limits:-

• Action level - 85 dB(A)
• PEL (Permission Exposure Level) - 90 dB(A)
• Maximum at any Time - 115 dB(A)

Initial noise monitoring limited to one or more representative employee from group of employees performing same work. Envosha has highly qualified and experienced competent persons registered with the Department of Occupational Safety & Health to carry out occupational noise exposure assessment and monitoring that includes:

Measurement of noise emission from single noise source or combination of noise sources, i.e. machinery, for noise abatement purposes.

Noise mapping in the form of noise zones to identify area with high noise levels.

Employees noise exposure monitoring using integrated noise dosimeter.

Provides recommendations on control and reduction of noise exposure; and hearing conservation measures.

Positive Initial Monitoring

As stated in Section 10, FMA 1989. If Initial employee noise monitoring results shows the possibility of any employee exposure to noise level at or above action level. The employee shall determine noise exposure levels for employees engaged in same work within six month of date of receipt of the initial noise monitoring.

Negative Initial Monitoring

As stated in Section 11, FMA 1989. Whenever there are changes in production, process,equipment, control measures in the factory within six month from date of changes.