MEASUREMENT OF NOISE.

Because reaction to noise is highly subjective and situation dependent, care must be exercised to evaluate the character of noise. The validity of the various methods depends on the character of the noise. Where the fluctuations are of an unpredictable nature, the safest method is undoubtedly the accurate analysis of a sample recording of noise using a statistical analyzer. An equally acceptable alternative is the use of a sound level measuring device designed to give the equivalent noise level value directly for a set time interval. Complicated analyses are seldom required, and would be justified only when operating very close to the 85 dB//A limit, in an unproclaimed area.