scope:

Revision of the International Standard ISO 9612 is going on in ISO/TC 43/SC 1/WG 53. A parallel CEN/ISO voting procedure is proposed in conformity with the Vienna agreement. The enclosed 2nd committee draft, ISO/CD 9612, doc. 43/1 N 1649, specifies an engineering method for measuring workers" exposure to noise in a working environment and calculating the noise exposure level. The draft standard describes chronological steps for starting with work analysis. Use of different strategies for noise measurement is allowed depending on the purpose of the tests. The method will be useful where an assessment of noise exposure to engineering grade precision is required, for example, for detailed noise exposure studies or epidemiological studies in to the cause of hearing damage. The measuring process requires observation and analysis of the noise exposure conditions so that the quality of the measurements can be controlled. This Standard provides methods for estimating the uncertainty of the results. This Standard is not intended for assessment of masking of oral communication or assessment of infrasound, ultrasound and non-auditory effects of noise. It does not apply to the measurement of the noise exposure of the protected ear when hearing protectors are worn. Results of the measurements performed in accordance with this International Standard may provide useful information when defining priorities for noise control measures.