[Various characteristics of industrial noise]

In this paper, broad characteristics of industrial noise are recalled briefly. High levels and multiple sources require special rules for the measurement or risk, such as the location of microphones at the height of the worker's ear. Industrial noise is either continuous-, and in such case one measurement is enough to evaluate the amount of risk for the inner ear-or fluctuates with time. This is the reason why noise level meters which integrate noise levels along time, must be used in many industrial situations and risk expressed in equivalent level. The unit for industrial noise is the dB(A) which is now universally admitted as reflecting satisfactorily the differential sensitivity of the ear. Lastly, the worker's exposure is also determined by the size (among other factors) of the workshop in which the noise source is located. Authors recommend that noise measurement in industry should not be limited to hygienic purposes and protection against industrial deafness but extended to other requirements of workers. In this respect, physical noise level measurement should be considered as one part of a noise abatement program and be completed by a survey on workers feeling of disturbance and uneasiness.