ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the recognition, evaluation and control of noise and vibration in general terms. Noise is one of the most pervasive health hazards with which the health and safety practitioner has to deal. Noise tends to be intermittent, like the clanking of machinery, the roar of passing traffic, or the mechanical percussion of hammers, chippers or grinders. The principal health-related effect of noise exposure is hearing loss. Excessive noise can destroy the ear’s ability to hear, and the damage is not reversible. The sound level meter is used in work locations principally for measuring noise emissions from machinery, equipment and processes, or the noise exposure of workers. Noise control techniques should be incorporated in the design and installation of equipment, since the cost of doing so is minimal compared to that of after-market design and installation. Noise-management programs are designed to prevent permanent hearing impairment, principally by maintaining noise exposure within the limits required by the legislation.
