The noise level in the office is measured with a decibel meter placed at the height of the workers in different parts of the room. Measurements are taken during the normal working day at intervals of at least 15 minutes. To obtain a reliable result, several measurement points are required and the measurement period should be sufficiently long. Correct noise level measurement helps to identify problem areas and plan the necessary acoustic improvements to the working environment.
Why is measuring noise levels in the office important for well-being at work?
Measuring noise levels is necessary because noise pollution directly affects workers' concentration and productivity. Constant background noise interferes with cognitive functions, slows down decision-making and increases stress. Workplace acoustics also affect workers' physical and mental well-being in the long term.
In Finland, the Occupational Safety Act sets clear limits for the results of sound level measurements in office environments. For tasks requiring concentration, the noise level must not exceed 55 decibels, while for general office work the limit is 60 decibels. These requirements are set to protect workers' health and ensure efficient working.
Regular decibel measurement helps employers meet their legal obligations and prevent work-related health problems. Timely action to tackle noise pollution improves the working atmosphere and significantly reduces sick leave.
What instruments are used to reliably measure noise levels in the office?
Professional noise meters are the most accurate option for office noise level measurements. These devices are accurately calibrated and meet international standards. Reliable noise meter displays decibel values in real time and store data for long-term monitoring. Professional instruments also have different filters that measure different frequency bands.
Smartphone apps can give an approximate picture of noise levels, but their accuracy varies significantly. The phone's microphone is not calibrated for acoustic measurement purposes, so results may differ from actual values by several decibels. Apps are best suited for quick mapping, but for formal measurements, professional equipment is needed.
Regular calibration of measuring equipment is essential to obtain reliable results. Professional meters should be calibrated annually and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity can also affect measurement accuracy.
How do you carry out a noise measurement in the office correctly?
Start by strategically selecting measurement points across the office. Place the noise meter at a height of 1.2 metres, which corresponds to the ear level of a person working at sitting height. Avoid measuring directly next to a sound source or near a wall, as this may distort the results. Choose points that represent typical workplaces.
Measurement time is a critical factor in obtaining a reliable sound level measurement result. A single measurement should take at least 15 minutes under normal working conditions. To get a complete picture, measure at several different times during the working day, as noise levels vary according to the activity in the office.
Take environmental factors into account during the measurement. Ensure that ventilation is operating normally and all normal sound sources are running. Make a note of exceptional situations such as meetings, phone calls or equipment start-ups. This will give you a realistic picture of the daily acoustic situation in the working environment.
How do you interpret the results of the noise measurement and the action limits?
The decibel scale is logarithmic, which means that even small numerical changes can make a big difference to the perceived volume. A three-decibel rise doubles the energy of sound, although to the ear the change sounds only slightly louder. Therefore, even a few decibels above the recommended values can cause significant harm.
Different jobs require different noise levels for optimal performance. Creative work should aim for levels below 50 decibels, while 55-60 decibels is acceptable for routine office work. Telephone work can tolerate slightly higher levels, but also suffers from continuous noise levels above 65 decibels.
When the measurement results exceed the recommended values, it is time to consider acoustic improvement measures. The first priority should be to identify the main sources of noise and work to reduce them. The acoustics of a room can be improved through solutions such as sound-absorbing surfaces and partitions that reduce the spread of sound from one workstation to another.
Regular monitoring of noise levels will help ensure that the measures taken are effective. Measurements should be repeated every few months after changes have been made to assess the impact of improvements. This systematic approach ensures the best possible working conditions and the achievement of the well-being at work acoustics objectives.
