Noise Mapping

Organising Information for Map Obtain a map or plan of the site a with all the machines/structures marked in. (if machines/structures are missing they will have to be added. Grid out the area to be mapped on the map/plan. The size of the grids will depend the measurements you too at the workshop (2-2.5m). Insert the noise levels (dBA) that you measured at the intersection of the grid lines. Decide how you will label the gridding and either mark on the map/plan the noise level measured i.e. 1-10, A-6.

Taking Noise Measurements Decide the length of period for each measurement. It is best to use the same length of time for all the measurements e.g. 15 or 30 secs Decide which noise parameters will be measured and saved/recorded. Try and take all the measurements in the worse case scenario i.e. when all machines working. Record all the measurements in a table such as the following.

Prepare a Draft Coloured Map If the table is generated within excel you can generate a rough draft of the noise map. Select the colours you will use to indicate noise levels. But ensure you use a 3 dBA groups and this fits in with the 3 dBA doubling of damage (energy) concept. Colour the rough map to obtain an idea of where the high noise levels are. See map as follows.

Prepare a Final Coloured Map Scan map/plan so you can access it via a paint program. Draw lines to fit in with the 3 dBA groups and colour to match. See map that follows.