Noise Mapping and Hearing Conservation
Workplace noise contouring and hearing conservation aligned to ISO 11690
Noise Mapping and Hearing
Conservation
Noise induced hearing loss is permanent, untreatable and almost entirely preventable, which makes it one of the clearest failures of control when it still occurs. The conventional response of issuing ear defenders sits near the bottom of the control hierarchy and treats only the symptom, so effective programmes start instead by locating the problem. Our noise surveys and contour mapping identify the high exposure zones and, just as importantly, rank the source contributions that drive them, so that engineering control can target the dominant sources rather than blanket your workforce in PPE. We combine ISO 9612 exposure assessment and ISO 11690 contour mapping with audiometric surveillance, engineering and administrative controls and a managed hearing conservation programme, which turns noise from an accepted nuisance into a controlled and monitored exposure that keeps your workers below the action levels for the length of a career.
Our implementation model
A practical, phased delivery approach that runs from gap assessment through operational embedding and is built around your regulatory context.
Conduct facility noise survey per ISO 9612 / NIOSH 1998, sound level measurement (Type 1 sound level meter), octave band analysis, dosimetry, identify dominant noise sources (rotating equipment, valves, blowers, vents).
Build noise contour map per ISO 9613 2 / SoundPLAN / IMMI, A weighted Leq levels with 1 to 3 dB(A) resolution, identify exposure zones per OSHA / EU NDWD, <80 dB(A) safe, 80 to 85 dB(A) action, >85 dB(A) HCP required.
Conduct personal dosimetry per ISO 9612 / OSHA 1910.95 Appendix A, Type 2 dosimeter (or Type 1 noise dosimeter), 8 hour TWA calculation per AIHA / OSHA exchange rate (3 dB ISO / 5 dB OSHA / NIOSH).
Specify engineering noise control per ISO 11690 hierarchy, source treatment (enclosure, silencer, vibration isolation), path treatment (absorption, barriers), receiver treatment (control room, refuge), align with NIOSH Buy Quiet.
Design HCP per OSHA 1910.95 / EU NDWD / HSE Control of Noise, audiometric baseline + annual testing, hearing protection (NRR / SNR rated), training, signage, audiometric record retention (per OSHA, duration of employment + 30 years).
Monitor for Standard Threshold Shift (STS) per OSHA, 10 dB average shift at 2 to 4 kHz, manage STS with re test, HPD review, work area re assignment, align with OSHA recordable injury (29 CFR 1904.10) and workers' compensation.
Noise Mapping and Hearing in full scope
Value of Noise Mapping and Hearing Conservation
- We prevent noise induced hearing loss across your workforce
- We identify the critical sources that warrant engineering control
- We reinforce your audiometric and surveillance programmes
- We improve your PPE selection and compliance
- You document compliance with the OSHA 1910.95 hearing conservation requirement
- You align with the ISO 11690 control hierarchy
- You support the ISO 45001 and Factories Act requirements
- You withstand compensation and regulatory audits
- We reduce the nuisance noise that affects concentration
- We target engineering controls at the highest impact sources
- We improve communication and the audibility of your alarms
- We tighten your equipment selection criteria
- We cut hearing loss compensation and litigation
- We reduce over specified PPE cost
- You avoid regulatory penalty exposure
- You improve productivity through reduced fatigue
Codes & standards we work to
Triggers that signal the need
Where Noise Mapping and Hearing Conservation applies
Process chemical plants, specialty chemical sites, and industrial parks requiring EHS management systems.
Upstream, midstream, and downstream facilities with complex EHS and regulatory requirements.
cGMP regulated facilities requiring integrated EHS, occupational hygiene, and sustainability programmes.
Extractive industry operations with dust, noise, chemical, and environmental compliance obligations.
Power plants, renewable energy facilities, and utilities with environmental permit obligations.
Manufacturing sites requiring chemical safety, waste compliance, and ESG reporting programmes.
Tangible deliverables
- A noise mapping report with contour plots
- A personal dosimetry summary
- A source ranking and control hierarchy
- An engineering control concept design
- A hearing conservation programme document
- An audiometric and surveillance schedule
Ready to start your project?
Speak with our team to scope an engagement tailored to your facility, regulatory context, and lifecycle stage.