Choosing a Noise Meter
Faced with a variety of Noise Meters on the market how do you go about choosing one? (Note that we use the term Noise Meters and Sound Level Meters interchangeably). The choice of the correct Noise Meter for the job will depend on the application.
Checking sound levels
You may want to just get an idea of the level of the sound. For example, you could be wanting to check whether the sound output from a fire alarm was loud enough. Or you could be wanting to check that the noise level in the street from a Disco was not too loud.
In this case, a low cost Sound Level Meter, such as the NM3 Noise Meter from First Stop Safety will do the job. You do not need to check the calibration of this meter before each measurement. However, the Noise Meter will have to be calibrated annually to ensure it's accuracy.
Noise Surveys in Low or Medium Risk environments
You may want to carry out a Noise Survey under the Noise at Work Regulations in a Low or Medium Risk environments. This refers to environments where the noise levels are fairly low, say around 80 to 85 dB, such as in offices, warehouses, school DT workshops or pubs.
In this case a mid-range product, such as the Noise Measurement Package 1 from First Stop Safety will do the job for you. This package comes with a suitable calibrator, that can be used to check the accuracy of the Noise Meter before each measurement session. (Note that both the Noise Meter and the calibrator will still have to be calibrated annually). It also includes details on how to carry out the survey and software to calculate, keep a record and print the results.
(However, if the noise varies a lot, or there are sudden sharp sounds, say from hammering or riveting machines, then you will have to consider the package below)
Noise Surveys in High Risk environments
You may want to carry out a Noise Survey under the Noise at Work Regulations in a High Risk Environment. This refers to environments where the noise levels are fairly high, say above 90 dB, such as in factories, metal workshops or construction sites.
To carry out suitable surveys in this type of environment, one needs a Noise Meter with an Integrating as well as a Peak measurement facility.
In this case a mid-range product, such as the Noise Measurement Package 2 from First Stop Safety will do the job for you. This package comes with a suitable calibrator, that can be used to check the accuracy of the Noise Meter before each measurement session. (Note that both the Noise Meter and the calibrator will still have to be calibrated annually). It also includes details on how to carry out the survey and software to calculate, keep a record and print the results.
More information on Noise meters?
Click here to understand the different features of Noise Meters and how they affect the measurement.
Still not sure which Noise Meter is correct for your application?
Ring 01904 791050 to talk to a Noise Expert who will help you decide.
