Accredited Environmental Noise Measurements
Environmental noise is one of the key parameters assessed in integrated permits, environmental decisions and environmental impact reports. Industrial facility operators are required to carry out periodic measurements of noise emitted to the environment, and the results must be produced by an accredited laboratory. OIKOS performs measurements under PCA accreditation No. AB 934 (PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025), with results accepted by environmental protection authorities and inspection bodies.
Why OIKOS for Environmental Noise
Five reasons our environmental noise measurements stand out — including the only PT-EH organiser in the region:
- AB 934 accreditation — measurements carried out using reference methods, results accepted by environmental protection authorities and inspection bodies
- PT 010 / PT-EH — as proficiency testing organiser for other laboratories we demonstrate the highest level of metrological competence
- Full scope: industrial installations, roads, railways, trams, machinery and equipment — one partner for all noise sources
- Measurement and calculation methods — both direct acoustic measurements and determination of acoustic power level from calculations
- 35 years of experience in noise measurements for industry, local governments and road authorities
Industrial, Traffic and Machinery Noise — Measurement & Calculation
OIKOS carries out accredited noise measurements from industrial installations and plants using both direct methods (acoustic measurements on-site and at the facility boundary) and calculation methods. Our scope also includes road, railway and tram noise measurements and the determination of acoustic power levels of machinery and equipment.
As one of the few accredited proficiency testing organiser PT 010 (PT-EH programme) among local environmental laboratories, OIKOS demonstrates measurement competence at a level that exceeds accreditation alone. Other laboratories use our PT-EH programmes to verify the quality of their own measurements.
Operating since 1988, OIKOS holds AB 934 (PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025) and PT 010 (PN-EN ISO/IEC 17043) accreditations. The PT-EH programme is used by laboratories across Poland to verify their own measurement competence.
Methods & Instruments
Methods
Long-term environmental noise measurement (industrial, road, rail); acoustic power level determination per EN ISO 3744/3746.
Instruments
Class 1 sound level meters, long-term measurement stations, acoustic calibrators, weatherproof microphones, 4 m tripods.
Reference documents
PN-ISO 1996-1, -2; Polish MoE regulation on permissible environmental noise levels; EN ISO 3744; EN ISO 3746.
FAQ
Environmental Noise Questions
When is environmental noise measurement required by law?
The obligation to carry out periodic environmental noise measurements rests on operators of installations where the issued integrated permit or environmental decision imposes such a requirement. Measurements are also required when changes to the installation may affect noise emission and in administrative proceedings concerning acoustic impact.
What is the difference between environmental noise and workplace noise?
Environmental noise is noise emitted by an installation or source to the surroundings — assessed at the property boundary or at protected locations (e.g. residential areas). Workplace noise concerns employee exposure and is assessed under occupational health and safety regulations. OIKOS carries out measurements of both categories — environmental noise within general environment services, workplace noise within occupational hygiene services.
What is acoustic power level?
Acoustic power level (LW) is a measure of the total acoustic energy emitted by a noise source, independent of surrounding conditions. It is a characteristic parameter for machinery and equipment, required e.g. for CE marking. OIKOS determines acoustic power levels using calculation methods based on sound pressure measurements carried out in field or laboratory conditions.
What is the PT-EH programme and why does it matter?
PT-EH is an accredited proficiency testing programme for environmental noise measurements, organised by OIKOS under PT 010 accreditation. Participating laboratories measure sound levels from a common reference source and their results are evaluated against the reference value. PT participation is required of accredited laboratories as evidence of maintained competence.