ISO 9612-2025 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 9612-2025 — Acoustics — Determination of occupational noise exposure — Methodology. Specifies standardized procedures for measuring and calculating workers’ noise exposure in the workplace, addressing A-weighted levels (and applicable to C-weighted levels), and providing guidance to control measurement quality and estimate measurement uncertainty.

Abstract

This standard defines a methodology for determining occupational noise exposure for individuals and groups of workers. It describes three measurement strategies, observation and analysis requirements to control measurement quality, procedures for calculating noise exposure levels, and methods for estimating the uncertainty of results. It excludes assessment of masking of speech, infrasound/ultrasound and non-auditory effects, and does not apply to measurements of the ear when hearing protectors are worn. Results support prioritization of noise-control measures.

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: 26 May 2025 (published May 2025).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 13.140 (Noise with respect to human beings).
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (2025).
• Number of pages: 53 pages.

Scope

Provides a standardized method to measure workers’ exposure to noise in the workplace and to calculate noise exposure levels for use in exposure assessment, epidemiological studies and prioritizing noise-control actions. The scope covers A-weighted (and applicable to C-weighted) sound levels and specifies three measurement strategies and associated observation and analysis procedures. It is not intended for assessing speech masking, infrasound/ultrasound or extra‑aural effects, nor for measuring exposure at the ear when hearing protection is worn.

Key topics and requirements

• Standardized measurement methodology for occupational noise exposure (A-weighted, with applicability to C-weighted levels).
• Three measurement strategies to cover different assessment needs (strategies include approaches for full-shift measurements, task-based or activity-based assessments, and combinations of short-term measurements with calculation to represent typical exposures).
• Requirements for observation, documentation and analysis of working conditions to ensure measurement quality and representativeness.
• Procedures for calculating individual and group noise exposure levels and for combining measurements from different tasks or periods.
• Guidance and methods for estimating and reporting measurement uncertainty.
• Clarification of exclusions and limitations (e.g., not for assessing masking of oral communication, infrasound/ultrasound or measurements when hearing protectors are worn).

Typical use and users

Used by occupational hygienists, acoustical consultants, safety and health professionals, regulatory bodies, employers conducting workplace noise surveys, researchers performing epidemiological or exposure studies, and testing laboratories. Typical uses include full-shift exposure assessment, task-based exposure characterization, compliance support, and prioritization of noise-control measures.

Related standards

Replaces ISO 9612:2009. Related documents commonly used alongside ISO 9612 include standards on audiometric reference levels and hearing-protector assessment (for example ISO 389 series and ISO 4869-2) and standards on estimating occupational noise‑induced hearing loss (for example ISO 1999). Regional adoptions (EN/ national variants) and corrigenda may also be available.

Keywords

occupational noise exposure; acoustics; workplace noise; noise measurement; A-weighting; C-weighting; exposure assessment; task‑based measurement; full‑shift measurement; measurement uncertainty; noise control.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 9612:2025 is an international standard that specifies a methodology for measuring and calculating workers’ occupational noise exposure in the workplace.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers procedures for measuring A-weighted (and applicable to C-weighted) noise levels, three alternative measurement strategies to suit different assessment needs, observation and documentation requirements, calculation methods for exposure levels, and estimation of measurement uncertainty. It excludes speech‑masking assessment, infrasound/ultrasound and measurements of exposure at the ear when hearing protectors are used.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Occupational hygienists, acoustical consultants, workplace safety professionals, regulators, researchers and testing bodies performing workplace noise assessments and exposure studies.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 9612:2025 (Edition 3) was published in May 2025 and replaces ISO 9612:2009.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of ISO acoustics deliverables and is related to other standards addressing hearing-protector performance, audiometric reference levels and assessment of hearing risk (for example standards in the ISO 389, ISO 4869 and ISO 1999 families), but ISO 9612 itself is the dedicated methodology document for occupational noise exposure measurements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Occupational noise, workplace noise exposure, acoustics, A-weighting, measurement strategy, exposure calculation, measurement uncertainty, task-based measurement, full-shift measurement.