Noise, Sound & Vibration Monitors

Although noise, sound and vibration are a part of daily life, they can be hazardous when experienced at high levels. Noise and vibration monitoring can help to ensure that levels remain in the safe range for your workers.

Noise

The most common occupational hazard that we face today, it is estimated that tens of millions of workers are exposed to potentially harmful sounds whilst at work. Sound pressure is measured in decibels (dB). If a sound reaches 85 dB or stronger, it can cause permanent damage to our hearing. The amount of time you listen to a sound affects how much damage it will cause.

• A typical conversation occurs at 60 dB – not loud enough to cause damage
• An idling bulldozer, at 85 dB, is loud enough to cause permanent damage after only 1 working day (8 hours)
• A clap of thunder (120 dB) or a gunshot (140-190 dB depending on the weapon) can both cause immediate damage

Vibration

There are two types of vibration that a worker may be exposed to – whole body and hand-arm.

Whole body vibration tends to be caused by poorly designed or maintained vehicles, platforms or machinery. It may cause or exacerbate health issues, like: lower back pain, varicose veins/heart conditions, stomach and digestive conditions, impairment of vision or balance (or both), and damage to reproductive organs.

Hand-arm vibration tends to be caused by long term exposure to hand held tools, chainsaws, grinders and so on. It can cause a range of conditions and diseases, like: white finger (also known as “dead finger”), carpel tunnel syndrome, sensory nerve damage, muscle and joint damage in the hands and arms (such as tennis elbow).

Areas We Serve

AES supplies our complete range of noise, sound and vibration monitors to all Australian capital cities, including: Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, Darwin and Canberra.