Measuring and Monitoring of Noise Level is a process to measure the magnitude of Noise in industries and residential area. Data collected from Noise level monitoring & Testing helps us to understand trends and action can be taken to reduce noise pollution.

The Measuring and Monitoring of Noise Level of noise from a stationary source is carried out near the source where sound pressure is higher from the source compared to all other noise. The sound measured nearby the source tells the noise generated by the source.

Sound level measured from specific distance from sound source can be used to calculate sound power output. Similarly, Measuring and Monitoring of Noise Level Sound power of the source can be used to calculate pressure level for the sound at other locations away from the source. Sound pressure level or power levels are used in cases where measurement of sound level is difficult due to the presence of other loud noises.

Scope:-

This procedure provides the guideline for measuring /monitoring of Noise Level at pharmaceuticals Plant.

Purpose:-

To maintain safe noise levels in the plant premises and avoid hearing impairment due to Excessive noise level.

Responsibility:-

• Maintenance Incharge.
• QA Incharge
• QA Officer

Procedure:-

Excess noise levels (78 dBA) are harmful for the health of human ears and can adversely affect the worker’s performance if exposed to high noise levels over extended period.

To ensure good health & maintain tolerable noise level, noise levels in different areas of Plant are monitored by QA department. Noise level meter with the range of noise detection of 30-130dBA is utilized for the monitoring.

Incharge QA prepares a plan for noise level monitoring within pharmaceuticals Plant premises as part of HSE plan. The safe noise level is established for each working area specially production, packing and store areas where noise level due to machine operations could be high.

The criteria for monitoring frequency are as follows:

a) Monitoring noise level at the time of machine/equipment installation.
b) Monitoring all working areas every quarterly and maintain records.
c) Monitoring an area based on complaints of excessive noise from the workers/supervisor.

Maintenance & QA Incharge operate the meter for monitoring noise levels.

Operation of Noise Meter (Measuring and Monitoring of Noise Level):

Noise level meter has measuring range 30-130dBA frequency range 31.5 Hz to 8 KHz and resolution of 0.1dBA. It is a hand held unit with a sensitive microphone, extension cord and operated with 9 volt battery.

1. Install the battery by opening battery cover on the unit.
2. Calibrate the meter before operation.
3. Ensure meter microphone is dry and protect it from area wind effects by using windscreen around the microphone.
4. Use the extension cable of the microphone. When monitor the noise level to avoid unexpected Noise reflection.
5. Turn the power switch “ON” on the unit and select the desired “Response time” & “Weighting”. Set response time to “Fast” setting for noise, which consists of short bursts, or for catching peak Sound level. To measure average level use the setting “Slow”.
6. Select the weighting “A” for general noise level and weighting “C” for measuring noise level of acoustic sound.
7. Hold the instrument in hand or fix on tripod, pointing the microphone at the noise source. The noise pressure level will be displayed on the meter.
8. When measuring noise level of different locations in an area use “Max/Min” mode to determine maximum and minimum noise levels of the area.
9. Press “Max/Min” button once to measure value of maximum noise level. Pressing again will give minimum noise level. At the end press the button third time to exit measuring mode (Max. or Min. symbol will disappear from the screen.)
10. Turn off the instrument after measurements and record the observations on Noise monitoring record form.
11. Do not operate or store instrument at high temperature and high humidity environment.
12. Avoid microphone exposure to excessive vibration.
13. Remove battery when instrument is not in use.
14. Analyze measurement data and discuss in management meeting to determine the corrective & preventive measures and controls for high noise levels.