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
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
We provide testing for Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility (SCIF) areas for the Military and Defense contractors.
On-Site Acoustic Testing provides STC (Sound Transmission Class), IIC (Impact Insulation Class), OITC (Outdoor Indoor Transmission Class), Speech Intelligibility Testing for SCIF areas.
We understand how critical it is that secure areas really are secure, and we take this responsibility very seriously. To this end, we are proud to use the Bruel & Kjaer 2270 analyzer running the BZ-7229 dual channel building acoustics software. Additionally, we can provide your organization with critical information concerning flaws in the overall audio/vibrational security of the SCIF area.
In addition the the protocols mentioned above, we can provide FFT analysis of noise and vibration that is present in (or transmitted from) the SCIF area, or areas adjacent to the SCIF area.
Contact one of our consultants today at 1-800-665-0080 or email us at sales@onsiteacoustictesting.com.
Workplace Noise Testing Services
If you’ve built a business, you know that your employee’s health and welfare is a critical part of your business’s overall wellness. The fact is, that workers who are exposed to high levels of noise are susceptible to long-term hearing loss as well as other health related issues. In addition to the physical and emotional toll this can take upon your employee, it can potentially put your business at risk for costly and time-consuming workers compensation actions. The only way to be sure that your employees and partners are safe is to have workplace noise level testing done at your facility.
At On-Site Acoustic Testing we specialize in coming out to your workplace and performing non-invasive work place testing of the equipment and processes in your factory, retail establishment, bar, night club, or office suite. We measure all kinds of noises ranging from heavy industrial equipment to heavy metal bands! We use the very techniques specified by OSHA, MSHA, and other regulatory bodies to make sure that your employees, partners, and patrons are safe. If there are violations, it’s best that YOU are the first person to know about it, rather than an agent from one of the regulatory bodies.
We offer noise surveys, dosimetric testing, noise maps, spectral analysis, and general noise testing of all kinds of workplaces.
Talk to us today at 1-800-665-0080 about workplace noise testing, and find out how we can help!
Whether it comes by way of your insurance company, a client’s request for an audit, ISO certification, or the long arm of OSHA and/or MSHA, at some point your company is likely going to need to provide documented evidence of the noise levels to which your employees are exposed to during their working day. Simply taking noise level measurements in the area where workplace activities are in process is not enough. Those readings can easily give you levels that are too high, or worse yet, too low! The only way to properly gauge the exposure to noise and sound that your workers are actually exposed to is through noise dosimetry.
Personal noise dosimeters are simply noise level meters that are designed to be worn by workers during their shifts. Best practices for the collection of this information will require that an employee wear the noise dosimeter for the entire duration of their shift…and it’s crucial (for the sake of accuracy) that the period of testing actually reflects their normal working day! Even if it’s not possible (for what ever reason) to take measurements for the entire duration of their working shift (or in the case that their working shift is longer or shorter than the 8 hours that OSHA and/or MSHA mandates) it’s possible to extrapolate the likely average level to which they are exposed to. This measurement is called the TWA, or time weighted average. Simply put, it’s a calculated number that is based on the noise level that they are exposed to during the measurement period…shortened or lengthened to meet the criteria for an eight hour period.
We use a few different dosimeters, depending upon the particular application. We have units that are safe for combustible areas (intrinsically safe) as well as units that are lightweight and non-invasive. It’s all dependent on your application, and requirements. Our most advanced noise dosimeters allow us to provide you with such metrics as: time weighted average, peak levels, minimum levels, and number of peak events. We are able to deliver to you detailed information in spreadsheet and graphic formats that detail the average (and/or peak) noise levels to which your employees are exposed to on a minute by minute basis.
Contact us today to find out how we can provide you with the information you need to safeguard the hearing safety of your employees, as well as inoculate your company from the risk of legal action based upon avoidable noise violations.
Speak to one of our consultants by calling 1-800-665-0080.
In today’s regulatory environment, if you aren’t testing your workspaces (and employees) for noise exposure you are putting your company at risk. On-Site Acoustic Testing is here to support your organization by providing you with qualified OSHA noise consultants who will provide you with an accurate assessment of your sound levels.
Our team members will perform measurements in your workspace and also initiate dosimetric (dosimeters are sound level meters that are worn during the working shift by your employees) testing to determine the time-weighted average (TWA) of noise that your employees are actually exposed to while they are performing their daily activities.
We will work with you to analyze the results of the testing, determine which (if any) employees are potentially at risk, and then help you implement a program for hearing protection devices. We will also help you implement a hearing conservation program at your organization. Our OSHA noise consultants are familiar with the myriad of OSHA (MSHA as well) regulations, and the ASTM and ANSI standards they are based upon.
On-Site Acoustic Testing will assist your company in maintaining a safe and productive workspace. Contact us today to speak directly with us about OSHA related noise measurement services.
We provide services nationwide, and emergency “rush” services are available.
Call us at 1-800-665-0080 for immediate service.
We all know that music and night life are truly tied together at the hip. Getting (and keeping) your patrons in just the right mood is great for business, and crucial in making your place the place to be. That said, there is a fine line between sound levels that are enjoyable and exciting, and those that are uncomfortable, or worse yet, unsafe! At On-Site Acoustic Testing, we will assess your current sound (both ambient and music) levels, and craft a compelling (but safe) soundscape for your patrons. Essential, as well, is making sure that your front-line staff are safe while performing their daily and nightly duties. As is well known, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Association) has placed limits on the total noise exposure that employees may absorb during their working day (or night). Violating these regulations is bad for employee’s short and long term health, as well as their job performance! Additionally, it could open up troublesome and expensive worker’s compensation claims. Knowing the limits (and where your establishment falls) BEFORE problems emerge, is the only way to go.
We will measure all front and back of house areas, and calibrate your sound systems for you. We can also help craft a spectral sound balance that lets people enjoy and feel the music, while still making conversation possible.
Call us today at 1-800-665-0080 to speak with one of our consultants about how we can protect your patrons, your employees, and your bottom line!
We are pleased to announce that we are now able to provide noise and vibration testing aboard marine vessels of all kinds. Whether your concern is sound propagation from engine rooms to passenger cabins, vibration levels aboard oil and gas exploration ships, or indoor air quality testing in engine rooms, machinery areas, and cargo holds, we get the job done! Our experienced field technicians are able to provide testing to ISO, ASTM and IMO specifications aboard your ship, fixed, or movable marine installation. We also offer noise transmission testing (IIC and STC) aboard yachts of all sizes and types. Contact us today to discuss your project!
Call us today at 1-800-665-0080 to discuss your project with one of our consultants.
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