WAC 296-817-30005   Make sure that noise-measuring equipment meets recognized standards.  

     You must:

     • Make sure that noise dosimetry equipment meets these specifications:

     – Dosimeters must be equipment class 2AS-90/80-5 of the American National Rule Specification for Personal Noise Dosimeters, ANSI S1.25-1991, such dosimeters are normally marked "Type 2."

Note:	Make sure any dosimeter you use is Type 2 equipment that:
	• Uses slow integration and A-weighting of sound levels.
	• Has the criterion level set to 90 dB, so the dosimeter will report a constant 8-hour exposure at 90 dBA as a 100% dose.
	• Has the threshold level set at 80 dB, so the dosimeter will register all noise above 80 dB.
	• Uses a 5 dB exchange rate for averaging of noise levels over the sample period.

     You must:

     • Make sure that sound level meters meet these specifications:

     – American National Standard Specification for Sound Level Meters, S1.4-1984, Type 2 requirements for sound level meters, such sound level meters are normally marked "Type 2."

     ▪ For continuous noise measurements, the meter must be capable of measuring A-weighted sound levels with slow response

     ▪ For impulse or impact noise measurements, the meter must be capable of indicating maximum C-weighted sound level measurements with fast response.

     • Calibrate dosimeters and sound level meters used to monitor employee noise exposure:

     – Before and after each day's use

     AND

     – Following the instrument manufacturer's calibration instructions.

Note:	• You may conduct dosimetry using an exchange rate less than 5 dB and compare the results directly to the noise evaluation criteria in Table 1
	• For measuring impulse and impact noise you may also use a sound level meter set to measure maximum impulse C-weighted sound levels or peak C-weighted sound levels.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 49.17.010, 49.17.040, 49.17.050, and 49.17.060. 03-11-060, § 296-817-30005, filed 5/19/03, effective 8/1/03.]