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LabCoda / Knowledge Base / Environmental noise measurement

🌿 Environmental noise measurement

Environmental PN-ISO 1996-1/-2

In short

Measurement of sound level (noise) in the environment using Class 1 sound level meter. The test is performed according to PN-ISO 1996-1:2006, PN-ISO 1996-2:2017; Measurement range: 20–140 dB(A). The procedure comprises 7 steps (about 2 h 11 min–17 h 26 min in total); it is used for: Assessment of road and rail noise (2014 Polish regulation), Control of industrial noise from plants, City acoustic maps (Directive 2002/49/EC).

At a glance

  • Standard: PN-ISO 1996-1:2006, PN-ISO 1996-2:2017
  • Category: Environmental
  • Procedure steps: 7
  • Total time of stages: 2 h 11 min–17 h 26 min
  • Main parameter: L_Aeq (A-weighted equivalent sound level)
  • Measurement range: 20–140 dB(A)
  • Meter class: Class 1 according to IEC 61672-1

Overview

Environmental noise is one of the most important factors affecting quality of life and human health. Standard PN-ISO 1996 defines methods for description, measurement, and assessment of environmental noise, including road, rail, air, and industrial noise.

The key parameter is the A-weighted equivalent sound level (L_Aeq), expressed in decibels (dB). The 2014 Polish regulation establishes permissible noise levels: residential areas — 50 dB (night) and 60 dB (day) for roads, 40/50 dB for industrial plants. Measurements are performed by accredited environmental laboratories and WIOŚ.

The method requires a Class 1 sound level meter (according to IEC 61672-1), calibrated before and after measurement, taking into account meteorological conditions, measurement time, and acoustic background.

Method principle

The sound level meter registers acoustic pressure using a capacitor microphone, processes the signal through an A-weighting filter (imitating human ear sensitivity), and calculates the equivalent sound level L_Aeq as the logarithmic energy average of acoustic pressure over a given measurement time. The result is expressed in dB(A) referenced to 20 µPa.

Applications

Key parameters

ParameterValue
Main parameterL_Aeq (A-weighted equivalent sound level)
Measurement range20–140 dB(A)
Meter classClass 1 according to IEC 61672-1
Limit (residential, day)55–65 dB(A) depending on source
Measurement uncertainty±1.5–3 dB (depending on conditions)

Standard

Standard number
PN-ISO 1996-1:2006, PN-ISO 1996-2:2017
Title (PL)
Akustyka — Opis, pomiary i ocena hałasu środowiskowego
Title (EN)
Acoustics — Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise

Step-by-step procedure

  1. Measurement planning

    Determine measurement point (1.5 m above ground, 3.5 m from building facade or on facade). Check weather forecast — wind <5 m/s, no precipitation.

    ⏱ Time: 15 min

  2. Meter calibration

    Attach calibrator to microphone. Verify reading 94.0 dB (±0.3 dB). Record calibration result.

    ⏱ Time: 3 min

  3. Equipment setup

    Mount meter on tripod. Attach windscreen. Point microphone toward noise source.

    ⏱ Time: 5 min

  4. Noise measurement

    Start recording. Measurement time: min. 8 h (day 6:00–22:00) or 1 h (night 22:00–6:00) for road noise. For industrial noise — source operation time.

    ⏱ Time: 1–16 h

  5. Background noise measurement

    Measure background level with noise source turned off (if possible). Background correction required when difference <10 dB.

    ⏱ Time: 15–30 min

  6. Final calibration

    Repeat calibration after measurement. Deviation ≤0.5 dB from initial calibration.

    ⏱ Time: 3 min

  7. Calculations and reporting

    Calculate L_Aeq with background and meteorological corrections. Compare with permissible levels. Prepare measurement report.

    ⏱ Time: 30 min

Required equipment and apparatus

EquipmentExampleIndicative price
Class 1 sound level meterBrüel & Kjær 2250, SVAN 971, Norsonic Nor14015,000–50,000 PLN
Acoustic calibratorBrüel & Kjær 4231, SVAN SV 30A (94 dB, 1 kHz)3,000–8,000 PLN
Tripod with windscreen1.5 m tripod + Ø 90 mm foam500–2,000 PLN
Weather stationDavis Vantage Pro2 or Kestrel 5500 (wind, temp., humidity)2,000–8,000 PLN

Health and safety (OHS)

Frequently asked questions

Which standard describes this test?

The test is performed according to PN-ISO 1996-1:2006, PN-ISO 1996-2:2017 — “Acoustics — Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise”.

How does this method work?

The sound level meter registers acoustic pressure using a capacitor microphone, processes the signal through an A-weighting filter (imitating human ear sensitivity), and calculates the equivalent sound level L_Aeq as the logarithmic energy average of acoustic pressure over a given measurement time. The result is expressed in dB(A) referenced to 20 µPa.

What is the measuring range and accuracy?

Main parameter: L_Aeq (A-weighted equivalent sound level); Measurement range: 20–140 dB(A); Meter class: Class 1 according to IEC 61672-1; Limit (residential, day): 55–65 dB(A) depending on source.

How long does the test take?

The times given for the individual stages add up to approximately 2 h 11 min–17 h 26 min. The procedure comprises 7 steps.

What equipment is required?

Class 1 sound level meter, Acoustic calibrator, Tripod with windscreen, Weather station. Indicative cost of the core instrument (Class 1 sound level meter): 15,000–50,000 PLN.

Where is this test used?

Assessment of road and rail noise (2014 Polish regulation); Control of industrial noise from plants; City acoustic maps (Directive 2002/49/EC); Environmental impact assessment (EIA); Construction site noise control; Airport noise monitoring.

What safety precautions apply?

Field work — reflective vest near roads; Mind weather conditions — do not measure in rain and strong wind; Measuring equipment — protect from moisture and drops; Near roads — maintain safe distance from traffic.

Which laboratory can perform this test?

The test is performed by laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025. On LabCoda you can find them by the standard number PN-ISO 1996-1/-2.

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