Developing a guideline for measuring workplace non-Gaussian noise exposure based on kurtosis adjustment of noise level in China

ObjectiveThere is no unified standard for measuring workplace non-Gaussian noise (known as complex noise) exposure. This study aimed to develop a draft guideline for measuring workplace non-Gaussian complex noise exposure based on noise temporal structure adjustment. MethodsNoise exposure level, e.g., the A-weighted sound pressure level normalized to a nominal 8-h working day (L-EX,L-8h), was adjusted using the temporal structure (expressed by kurtosis) of noise. Noise waveform analysis or the instrument's direct reading was used. ResultsThe framework of the draft guideline included measurement metrics, the protocol using kurtosis to adjust L-EX,L-8h, technical requirements for measuring instruments, measurement steps, data analysis, and measurement recording. ConclusionThe draft guideline could provide a basis for accurately measuring workers' exposure to non-Gaussian noise.