AFC International offers many types of sound level meters, noise dosimeters and analyzers including simple to use meters to the more advanced octave band analyzers. Applications include simple noise surveys, checking compliance with local noise ordinances, machinery noise surveys, fire alarm testing, noise nuisance surveys and motor racing sound levels.
The choice of a particular instrument and approach for measuring and analyzing occupational noise depends on many factors, not the least of which will be the purpose for the measurement and the environment in which the measurement will be made. In general, measurement methods should conform to the American National Standard Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure, ANSI S12.19-1997 [ANSI 1996a]. Measuring noise with a sound level meter is relatively simple when the noise levels are continuous and when the worker remains essentially stationary during the work shift. A noise dosimeter is preferred for measuring a worker’s noise exposure when the noise levels are varying or intermittent, when they contain impulsive components, or when the worker moves around frequently during the work shift.