We are pleased to offer a wide variety of acoustic testing protocols and consulting services nationwide and worldwide. Here is a sampling of what is available:
- Noise measurements in standard decibel ratings (dB-A weighted) – Used for compliance with local, state, and/or federal requirements
- FIIC / AIIC – Field / Apparent Impact Insulation Class – Used for measuring the sound transmission of a ceiling/floor structure in commercial spaces, houses, and apartments
- FSTC / ASTC – Field / Apparent Sound Transmission Class – Used for measuring the sound transmission of a wall structure in apartments, houses, commercial spaces and condominiums
- Noise Dosimeter Testing – A simplified sound level meter is attached to an individual in order to assess their noise exposure during a predefined period
- Noise Surveys – Often required by HUD and other Federal agencies when properties such as houses, apartments and condominiums are located near noise sources like Airports, Train Tracks, Highways and Freeways, Manufacturing Plants, Sewage Treatment Plants, and Power Stations noise surveys are timed studies detailing the noise levels for a specific time period
- Noise Spectrum Analysis – Used for determining what frequencies in the audio band a particular noise is coming from when measured from an adjacent house, apartment, condominium or commercial space
- Vibration Analysis – Used for tracking down vibration coming from machinery, and sometimes to determine whether a machine assembly is in balance. We can provide both real-time and long-term logging of vibrating structures including FFT analysis.
We are able to offer most ASTM, MSHA, and ISO tests in the acoustic area. Please contact us about your specific requirements for your commercial space, condominium, or apartment.
Contact us at1-800-665-0080 to speak with a consultant today, or email us at: sales@onsiteacoustictesting.com
Field Impact Insulation Class (now known as Apparent Impact Insulation Class) measures a floor/ceiling assembly’s resistance to the transmission of structure-borne or impact noise. Virtually all states and municipalities have set guidelines for the minimum FIIC (AIIC) test rating that a building may have, and it’s not at all uncommon to find minimum FIIC (AIIC) ratings inserted into requests for proposals from architects and other designers.
Performing an FIIC (AIIC) test requires a specialized piece of equipment called a floor tapper. This machine can be likened to an internal combustion engine that features exposed pistons which are mounted in a manner in which they strike the floor in a repetitive sequence. The specifications for this machine are contained in the ISO 140 and ASTM E 413, E 492 and E 1007 – 14 specifications. This machine generates a controlled amount of impact noise which is then measured in the room below the room in which the tapping machine is operated.
On-Site Acoustic testing utilizes the Bruel & Kjaer Type 3207 Tapping Machine in conjunction with a Bruel & Kjaer 2260 and 2270 sound level/analyzer meters running the most recent Building Acoustics software.
We are able to provide commercial and residential tenants, building managers, architects, contractors, insurance companies, and governmental agencies FIIC (AIIC) ratings for any building. Call us today to talk about your impact sound problem, whether it involves air handling equipment or upstairs neighbors that tap dance even whilst asleep!
On-Site Acoustic Testing provides FIIC (AIIC) Testing services in all parts of the United States according to ASTM guidelines, and tests through much of the rest of the world to ISO standards.
Contact us at 1-800-665-0080 to speak with a consultant today, or email us at: sales@onsiteacoustictesting.com
Indoor air quality is one of those things that people just don’t spend very much time thinking about…at least until their family or employees start getting sick. While there is more awareness in the manufacturing/industrial world, it’s our opinion that there is still a lack of awareness concerning this important issue. That said, the problems are many times magnified when talking about multi-unit dwellings!
On-Site Acoustic testing can provide indoor air quality testing services for the following agents (and to ASTM/ISO/ANSI standards)
- Temperature
- Humidity
- Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide
- Mold and other bacteria
- Particulate Matter and other dust
- Pharmaceutical agents
- Organic chemicals
- NH3
- CO
- HCN
- H2S
- NO
- NO2
- SO2
- Chrome
- Lead
- Phthalates
- Silica
- Stainless Steel
- Iron
- Mild Steels
- Solvents
Our expert engineers will develop an individualized profile to first and foremost make sure that the problem is fully diagnosed. Often this can be accomplished relatively quickly via a single day broad spectrum sampling session, followed by submission to one of the regional ISO certified labs we utilize for sample analysis. In other cases, a more detailed approach may be necessary, which could include partial wall dis-assembly, robotic sample collection (for inaccessible duct work), and flooring removal.
After the analysis has been completed, we will develop a treatment protocol that will neutralize the contamination issues and render the treated areas much less susceptible to future recurrence of contamination.
Contact us today at 1-800-665-0080 to find out how we can help!
FSTC (ASTC) Testing Services –Field / Apparent Sound Transmission Class Tests
FSTC (ASTC), or as it’s formally known Field / Apparent Sound Transmission Class is a double digit number that refers to the sound transmission properties of a wall structure. It may also be applied to measure the sound transmission properties of a window or door unit. Virtually all states and municipalities have set guidelines for the minimum FSTC / ASTC test rating that a building may have, and it’s a vital part of the International Building Code. It’s not at all uncommon to find well-above-minimum FSTC / ASTC test (and related FIIC / AIIC) ratings inserted into requests for proposals from architects and other designers especially for luxury housing. The most common standards for testing in the United States include the ASTM E90, ASTM E336 and ASTM E413 standards, while in European Union countries the ISO 140 and ISO 717 standards are used.
Performing a FSTC / ASTC test requires some specialized equipment, the first being an omni-directional sound source. This just means a sound source (speaker) that radiates sound in all directions equally, quite unlike a typical speaker which radiates most of its sound to the front. This ensures that the room is equally driven by sound pressure in all directions. Typically this is achieved by utilizing a multi-driver speaker systems that resembles a large soccer ball…think of each of the black sections as a speaker! The Bruel & Kjaer 4292 speaker is probably the best known of the current crop of omni-directional sound sources, and our personal reference unit. This unit is placed in what is called the sending room and then switched on, in order to excite the wall structure (and other structures that comprise the room) so that the resultant noise may be measured on the other side.
Secondarily, a sound level analyzer is required to accurately measure the sound in the room on the other side, which is named the receiving room. We utilize a Bruel & Kjaer 2260 and 2270 sound level/analyzer meters running building acoustics software BZ 7204 and BZ 7229 which is capable of providing results compliant with ASTM, ISO, DIN, BS, and NBE among others.
We provide commercial and residential tenants, building managers, architects, contractors, insurance companies, and governmental agencies STC testing services and ratings for any building. Call us today to talk about your noise transmission sound problems.
Contact us at 1-800-665-0080 to speak with a consultant today, or email us at: sales@onsiteacoustictesting.com
We provide acoustical testing of SCIF and SAPF areas to satisfy the following parameters as detailed in ICD 705 Version 1.4:
A. Overview
1. This establishes DNI guidelines to protect classified conversations from being inadvertently overheard outside a SCIF.
2. This is not intended to protect against deliberate technical interception of audio emanations.
B. Sound Group Ratings
The ability of a SCIF structure to retain sound within the perimeter is rated using a descriptive value, the Sound Transmission Class (STC). To satisfy the normal security standards of SCIFs, the following transmission attenuation groups have been established:
Sound Group 3 – STC 45 or better. Loud speech from within the SCIF can be faintly heard but not understood outside of the SCIF. Normal speech is unintelligible with the unaided human ear.
Sound Group 4 – STC 50 or better. Very loud sounds within the SCIF, such as loud singing, brass music, or a radio at full volume, can be heard with the human ear faintly or not at all outside of the SCIF.
C. Acoustic Testing
1. Audio tests shall be conducted to verify standards are met. Tests may be instrumental or non instrumental as approved by the AO. Test method used shall be detailed in the CSP.
2. Instrumental Acoustic Tests:
a) Only those with training on audio testing techniques shall conduct instrumental acoustic tests
b) With all SCIF doors closed, all perimeter walls and openings (e.g., air returns, doors, windows, etc.) shall be tested along multiple points to ensure that either Sound Group 3 or 4 is met.
c) Audio test sources shall have a variable sound level output.
d) The output frequency range shall include normal speech.
e) Test speakers shall be placed six feet from the test wall and 4 feet off the floor.
f) Audio gain of the test source shall produce “loud or very loud speech” as defined by Sound Group 3 and 4 levels respectively.
g) As an alternative, instrumented testing may be performed to Noise Isolation Class (NIC) standards. Results shall comply with NIC 40 for Sound Group 3 and NIC 45 or Sound Group 4
Contact us today to speak with one of our consultants about your project.
We provide noise and sound mitigation consulting services.
Our experienced technicians (in conjunction with consulting professional engineers, architects, and other consultants) can work with your organization to provide relief for many common issues such as:
- Open floorplan noise in call centers
- Unwanted sound transmission in medical and dental offices
- Noise and vibration emanating from Crossfit and other gym and workout facilities
- HVAC and other building equipment whether on the ground or roof-mounted
- Unpleasant room acoustics in restaurants, nightclubs, and auditoriums
- Machine noise in factories, distribution centers, and retail establishments
- Noise from playgrounds and recreational areas
Contact us today at project@osatusa.com (or call us toll-free at 800-665-0080) to find out how we can provide the solutions for your noise and sound issues.
While we are well known for providing noise, vibration, air-quality, and other environmental testing, you may not realize that we also provide noise and sound mitigation consulting services. Our experienced technicians (in conjunction with consulting professional engineers and other consultants) can work with your organization to provide relief for many common issues such as:
- Open floorplan noise in call centers
- Unwanted sound transmission in medical and dental offices
- Noise and vibration emanating from Crossfit and other gym and workout facilities
- HVAC and other building equipment whether on the ground or roof-mounted
- Unpleasant room acoustics in restaurants, nightclubs, and auditoriums
- Machine noise in factories, distribution centers, and retail establishments
- Noise from playgrounds and recreational areas
Contact us today at project@osatusa.com (or call us toll-free at 800-665-0080) to find out how we can provide the solutions for your noise and sound issues.
As you probably already know, T\the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 was enacted by the United States Congress and signed by President Bill Clinton in 1996.
Title II of HIPAA, known as the Administrative Simplification (AS) provisions, requires the establishment of national standards for electronic health care transactions and national identifiers for providers, health insurance plans, and employers.
What does this mean for your practice?
Whether you are a medical doctor, dentist, mental health professional, or other health care provider it means that you are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your patient’s records.
You’ve probably already paid close attention to your record keeping, billing, and client contact protocol, but have you given thought to maintaining the privacy of your clients while they are in your office?
Many office suites were designed and built prior to the implementation of the HIPAA Act and even offices constructed long after the start of the HIPAA Act may not have been constructed in a way that ensures the privacy of your patients.
Sound transmission between examination rooms is a common issue in many offices. It’s simply unacceptable for one patient to be able to overhear the private conversation between you and your staff with another patient.
We can provide testing to determine the Sound Transmission Class (STC) and the Speech Intelligibility Index (STI) of the examination rooms, private offices, and other areas of your facility to determine whether unwanted sound transmission between spaces is present.
Should testing disclose a problem, or if you’re already aware that your office has a problem, we can assist you in determining the correct materials that will be necessary to fix the problem.
Contact us today at project@osatusa.com or call us (toll-free) at 800-665-0080
Let’s face it, loading docks are hot, noisy, and subject to carbon monoxide emissions from even the cleanest running rigs.
While most packaged products are (mostly) insensitive to noise, light, and air quality issues, the same cannot be said for the people working on the loading docks.
That’s where On-Site Acoustic Testing comes in. We can provide the testing that you need to make sure that your employees are safe.
Whether you are in need of noise level testing, air quality testing, or light quality (or level) testing, we can get you the information you need to ensure OSHA compliance.
Contact us today at project@osatusa.com
Or call us (toll-free) at 1-800-665-0080
The amount of packages moving across the United States each and every day is truly staggering. If you’ve ever been in a large scale distribution center (such as the distribution centers for FEDEX Ground – we’ve tested many of their facilites) you’ll quickly realize that no matter how much automation has taken the place of humans, there are still many women and men working along side of the machines.
While machines are (mostly) insensitive to noise, light, and air quality issues, the same cannot be said for the people working inside the facility.
That’s where On-Site Acoustic Testing comes in. We can provide the testing that you need to make sure that your employees are safe.
Whether you are in need of noise level testing, air quality testing, or light quality (or level) testing, we can get you the information you need to ensure OSHA compliance.
Contact us today at project@osatusa.com
Or call us (toll-free) at 1-800-665-0080
Great lighting makes any room look better…that’s something that you probably would expect to hear from an interior decorator, but the truth is that proper lighting is essential for any and every workplace, restaurant, or retail establishment.
On-Site Acoustic Testing can provide lighting surveys (in LUX or Footcandles) to determine whether your lighting is suitable for the area and purpose.
The following table illustrates acceptable minimum levels of lighting (in LUX) in different areas:
Recommended Lux Levels by Area
| Area |
Nominal Illumination Level in
Lumens/Square Meter (lux) |
| Office Space |
| Normal work station space, open or closed offices1 |
500 |
| ADP Areas |
500 |
| Conference Rooms |
300 |
| Training Rooms |
500 |
| Internal Corridors |
200 |
| Auditoria |
150-200 |
| Public Areas |
|
| Entrance Lobbies, Atria |
200 |
| Elevator Lobbies, Public Corridors |
200 |
| Ped. Tunnels and Bridges |
200 |
| Stairwells |
200 |
| Support Spaces |
| Toilets |
200 |
| Staff Locker Rooms |
200 |
| Storage Rooms, Janitors’ Closets |
200 |
| Electrical Rooms, Generator Rooms |
200 |
| Mechanical Rooms |
200 |
| Communications Rooms |
200 |
| Maintenance Shops |
200 |
| Loading Docks |
200 |
| Trash Rooms |
200 |
| Specialty Areas |
| Dining Areas |
150-200 |
| Kitchens |
500 |
| Outleased Space |
500 |
| Physical Fitness Space |
500 |
| Child Care Centers |
500 |
| Structured Parking, General Space |
50 |
| Structured Parking, Intersections |
100 |
| Structured Parking, Entrances |
500 |
Contact us today at 1-800-665-0080 to speak with one of our consultants about your light level survey needs!
Recently the name of the field sound transmission class rating system which was known as FSTC has been changed to apparent sound transmission class (ASTC).
What does this mean, to you, the end user?
The simple answer is: not very much!
The test is still conducted using the same basic methodology, meaning that the equipment and testing process is largely the same.
So be aware that test results that used to say FSTC now say ASTC.
ASTM E336 – 14
Standard Test Method for Measurement of Airborne Sound Attenuation between Rooms in Buildings
Recently the name of the field insulation impact class rating system which was known as FIIC has been changed to apparent impact insulation class.
What does this mean, to you, the end user?
The simple answer is: not very much!
The test is still conducted using the same basic methodology, meaning that the equipment and testing process is largely the same.
So be aware that test results that used to say FIIC now say AIIC.
ASTM E1007 – 14
Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures
- E90 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Airborne Sound Transmission Loss of Building Partitions and Elements
- E413 Classification for Rating Sound Insulation
- E492 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies Using the Tapping Machine
- C634 Standard Terminology Relating to Building and Environmental Acoustics
- E966 Standard Guide for Field Measurements of Airborne Sound Insulation of Building Facades and Facade Elements
- E989 Standard Classification for Determination of Impact Insulation Class (IIC)
- E1007 Standard Test Method for Field Measurement of Tapping Machine Impact Sound Transmission Through Floor-Ceiling Assemblies and Associated Support Structures
- E1110 Standard Classification for Determination of Articulation Class
- E1111 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Interzone Attenuation of Open Office Components
- E1179 Standard Specification for Sound Sources Used for Testing Open Office Components and Systems
- E1264 Standard Classification for Acoustical Ceiling Products
- E1374 Standard Guide for Open Office Acoustics and Applicable ASTM Standards
- E1425 Standard Practice for Determining the Acoustical Performance of Exterior Windows and Doors
- E1433 Standard Guide for Selection of Standards on Environmental Acoustics
- E1573 Standard Test Method for Evaluating Masking Sound in Open Offices Using A-Weighted and One-Third Octave Band Sound Pressure Levels
- E1574 Standard Test Method for Measurement of Sound in Residential Spaces
- E2179 Standard Test Method for Laboratory Measurement of the Effectiveness of Floor Coverings in Reducing Impact Sound Transmission Through Concrete Floors
- E1662 Standard Classification of Office Serviceability – Privacy and Speech Intelligibility, Distraction and Disturbance
|
