If your facility has high noise levels, performing noise dosimetry is critical for assessing employee exposure and ensuring compliance with OSHA or MSHA noise standards. But how do you know if you need to do it—and how do you actually carry it out?

In this guide, we’ll help you understand when dosimetry is necessary and how to conduct it properly using noise dosimeters.

Do You Need to Perform Noise Dosimetry?

You may need to perform noise dosimetry if any of the following apply:

1. You’ve never conducted a noise survey. You might be unaware of exposure risks that could be exceeding legal limits.
2. It’s been a while since your last monitoring. If you’ve added new equipment, changed layouts, or increased production, your previous results are likely outdated.
3. You’re unsure about exposure in certain departments. Start with the loudest areas or those that haven’t been tested recently.
   

Noise Dosimetry Checklist: How to Use a Noise Dosimeter

Follow this step-by-step checklist to collect accurate, actionable noise data from your workplace.

1. Rent or Purchase Noise Dosimeters

Choose dosimeters that are: Designed for industrial hygiene use, equipped with OSHA PEL, OSHA HC, ACGIH, and MSHA settings, and within factory calibration date to ensure accurate readings.

Click here to see our rental dosimeter offerings.  All Compliance Safety Supply rental devices meet the above requirements. 

2. Prepare Equipment Before the Test

• Charge all dosimeters the night before monitoring.
• Install software (PC or mobile app) from the manufacturer.
• Check settings for date, time, and applicable noise standard.
• Common profiles: OSHA PEL (90 dBA), OSHA HC (85 dBA), ACGIH (85 dBA) Note: use MSHA settings if you’re operations are regulated by MSHA
  

3. Perform Daily Calibration

• Use an acoustic calibrator (usually 114 dB @ 1 kHz) – included with dosimeter rentals.
• Calibrate each dosimeter before use to ensure data accuracy and help with audit documentation.
  

 4. Select Employees for Monitoring

• Focus on: Employees in loud zones (e.g., production lines, loading bays, equipment operators, etc) or in areas not recently tested
• Train employees briefly on the process – reassure them that the device only measures decibel levels—not conversations.
  

 5. Properly Attach the Dosimeter

• Secure the dosimeter on the shoulder, with the microphone as close to the ear as is reasonable. 
• Ensure it’s not blocked by PPE, hair, or clothing.
  

6. Turn On & Monitor for the Full Shift

• Start the recording on the dosimeter. 
• Dosimeters should be worn for at least 80% of the shift, but it is highly recommended employees wear them for 100% to capture peak exposure—end-of-shift cleanups are often the loudest.
• After the first hour, check to ensure: devices are recording and employees are wearing them correctly
• Recheck every 2–3 hours to avoid data gaps.
  

 7. End of Shift: Stop Device, Perform Post Calibration, and Download Data

• Remove the dosimeters and stop recording.
• Recalibrate the device to verify accuracy hasn’t drifted.
• Export data via charging dock or Bluetooth to your computer or smartphone.

8. Analyze and Act on the Results

• Review your data to identify exposures above 85 dBA TWA.
• If exceedances are found: 1) You may be required to implement a Hearing Conservation Program (HCP) 2) Consult a Certified Industrial Hygienist (CIH) or Certified Safety Professional (CSP) about next steps and whether implementing engineering or administrative controls may be necessary or feasible.

How Can We Help You?

At Compliance Safety Supply, we offer factory calibrated noise dosimeters from a range of top Manufacturers like TSI, Larson Davis, and SKC. All rentals include free user setup support. 

Browse our range of Noise & Sound Level Monitoring Equipment: Click Here

Have Questions? Contact us today at 720-303-1777 or at service@compliancesafetysupply.com

Compliance Safety Supply

4800 Dahlia St, C9

Denver, Colorado 80216

May 29th, 2025