This standard defines measurement procedures for estimating the risk of noise-induced hearing loss among users of noise producing equipment. It is applicable to ground vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and mobile, transportable, and stationary equipment. The primary approach is to separately measure the sound level at operator ear locations for each normal operating condition. These levels can be combined with operational use scenarios and exposure criteria to define noise exposure severity. The data can also be used to define hearing protection requirements or administrative controls to preclude hearing hazard.

The practice has the following limitations:

The practice uses field portable measurement equipment.

The practice produces data which may be compared with applicable criteria or limits if the limits are in terms of the quantities measured in this standard or which can be calculated from the measured data.

1.1 This standard defines noise measurement procedures for estimating the risk of hearing loss among users of noise producing equipment. It is applicable to ground vehicles, aircraft, watercraft, and other mobile, transportable, or stationary equipment.

1.2 This standard does not recommend noise exposure limit levels or criteria for any application discussed.

1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.