As a small business owner, we want to make sure that our employees are working in a safe and healthy environment. One aspect of this is making sure that the noise levels in our workplace are within safe limits. According to Safe Work Australia, exposure to excessive noise can lead to hearing damage, stress, and other health problems.
That's why it's important to monitor the noise levels in our workplace regularly, and this is where Decibel X and other similar apps come in handy!
These apps use your smartphone's microphone to measure noise levels in real time. It's simple to use and provides accurate readings, making it a great tool for small businesses to monitor noise levels in the workplace.
But why is it important to monitor noise levels in the workplace? Well, ISO 9001:2015, the international standard for quality management systems, requires organizations to establish and maintain a quality management system to ensure customer satisfaction. Part of this involves controlling and monitoring the environment in which our employees work.
In Australia, the National Standard for Occupational Noise sets out the limits for safe exposure to noise at work. This standard states that exposure to noise should not exceed 85 decibels over an eight-hour period. If our workplace noise levels are above this limit, we need to take action to reduce the risk of hearing damage to our employees.
So, how do we use Decibel X to monitor noise levels in our workplace? First, we need to download the app on our smartphone or tablet. Once the app is installed, we simply need to hold the microphone towards the source of the noise and press the measurement button. The app will then display the decibel reading in real-time.
Next, we need to use the app to measure the noise levels at various locations in our workplace, including areas where employees spend most of their working hours, such as near machinery or in noisy offices. This will help us to identify areas where noise levels are high and determine if we need to take any action to reduce the risk of hearing damage.
Once we have collected our readings, we should compare them to the limits set out in the National Standard for Occupational Noise. If any readings are above the limit, we need to take action to reduce the noise levels. This may involve using noise-cancelling headphones, installing soundproofing materials, or rearranging the workplace to reduce the impact of noise.
In addition to monitoring noise levels, we should also provide our employees with access to resources and training on how to protect their hearing. This may include providing them with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and providing training on how to use these products correctly.
We should also communicate the results of our noise monitoring to all employees and involve them in the process. Encouraging employees to report any concerns they have about noise levels can help us to identify and control workplace hazards before they become a problem.
In conclusion, noise monitoring is an important step in ensuring the safety and health of our employees. By monitoring noise levels in our workplace and taking action to reduce the risk of hearing damage, we can create a safe and healthy work environment that supports the success of our business. So, let's grab our smartphones and start monitoring noise levels today!
