How to Create a Factory Noise Measurement Route for ESG Records Malaysia?
How to Create a Factory Noise Measurement Route for ESG Records Malaysia?
When employees report that a production area is too noisy, taking one reading beside the nearest machine may not represent the entire workplace.
Noise levels can change according to:
Machine type
Number of machines operating
Production load
Measurement distance
Measurement location
Shift activity
Loading operations
Maintenance condition
A portable sound level meter can support initial checks and comparisons around the factory.
However, a basic spot measurement is not automatically equivalent to a formal occupational noise assessment.
So, where should factory personnel measure and what information should they record?
1. Start at the Main Production Area
Begin at a representative location where normal production activity occurs.
Record:
Sound level
Date and time
Machines operating
Production condition
Measurement location
Measurement distance
Observation
This creates a reference measurement.
Do not assume that this first reading represents every work area.
2. Measure Near Major Machines
Identify equipment that produces noticeable noise.
Possible sources include:
Compressors
Generators
Pumps
Blowers
Fans
Presses
Cutting machines
Grinding machines
Production motors
Extraction systems
Measure at consistent locations.
For example:
Machine A → Record
Machine B → Record
Machine C → Record
If readings are taken at different distances, record the distance for each measurement.
Otherwise, the results may not be directly comparable.
3. Check the Normal Worker Position
Do not measure only beside the machine.
Take a reading where the operator or employee normally stands or works.
Compare:
Near Machine → Sound level
with
Normal Worker Position → Sound level
This gives more useful information about the actual working environment.
Avoid obstructing production or creating a safety risk while taking measurements.
4. Check Walkways and Shared Areas
Noise can travel beyond the machine area.
Include locations such as:
Main production walkway
Packing area
Inspection area
Maintenance workshop
Rest-area entrance
Office boundary
Warehouse connection
Internal corridors
A shared area may be affected by several machines operating at the same time.
Record which equipment was active during the measurement.
5. Measure Near Compressors
Air compressors can produce changing noise according to their operating cycle.
Take readings during:
Start-up
Loading
Normal running
Unloading
Shutdown, if relevant
Record the operating stage.
A reading taken while the compressor is idle should not be compared directly with one taken during full operation without noting the difference.
Also record whether doors or ventilation openings were open.
6. Check Generator Areas
Generator noise may vary with:
Electrical load
Enclosure condition
Door position
Exhaust condition
Distance
Nearby reflective surfaces
Possible comparison points include:
Inside Generator Area → Only if safe and authorised
At Entrance → Measure
Outside Enclosure → Measure
Nearest Occupied Area → Measure
Follow site safety procedures and do not enter restricted areas simply to obtain a reading.
7. Measure Loading Bays
Loading bays may be affected by:
Lorries
Forklifts
Reversing alarms
Roller shutters
Pallet handling
Metal impacts
Open doors
Nearby road traffic
Record the activity taking place.
For example:
No Loading Activity → Background reading
Forklift Operating → Reading
Lorry Arriving → Reading
Goods Unloading → Reading
This helps explain why noise changes at different times.
8. Check the Factory Boundary
Factories may also want to compare noise at selected boundary locations.
Possible points include:
Main gate
Rear boundary
Side boundary
Nearest neighbouring property direction
Loading-bay boundary
Generator-side boundary
Environmental or boundary-noise assessment may require a specific method, measurement duration and competent assessment.
A handheld spot check can support initial screening but should not automatically be presented as a formal compliance result.
9. Check Office Areas Near Production
Offices connected to production areas may receive noise through:
Doors
Windows
Walls
Shared ceilings
Ventilation openings
Internal walkways
Compare:
Production Side of Door → Measure
Office Side of Door → Measure
Door Open → Measure
Door Closed → Measure
This can help facilities personnel investigate whether building separation or operating practices affect indoor conditions.
10. Measure Reported Problem Locations
If employees identify a particular area as unusually noisy, measure directly at that location.
Then compare it with a normal work area.
For example:
Reported Problem Area → Measure
Reference Area → Measure
Also ask:
When is the noise worst?
Which machine is operating?
Does it happen during every shift?
Did the noise begin recently?
Was maintenance recently performed?
Does the sound change with load?
The employee’s description can help identify the best measurement time.
A Simple Factory Noise Route
A basic inspection route may be:
Point 1 – Main Production Entrance
↓
Point 2 – Major Machine A
↓
Point 3 – Major Machine B
↓
Point 4 – Normal Worker Position
↓
Point 5 – Compressor Area
↓
Point 6 – Loading Bay
↓
Point 7 – Office Boundary
↓
Point 8 – Factory Boundary
↓
Point 9 – Reported Problem Area
Use the same route during future inspections whenever possible.
Record the Operating Condition
Noise readings are difficult to compare without operating information.
Record:
Machines running
Machine speed
Production load
Number of workers
Doors open or closed
Ventilation status
Loading activity
Nearby vehicles
Weather conditions for outdoor measurements
Unusual temporary noise
For example:
Reading: 10:00 AM
Machines: Two presses and one compressor operating
Door: Open
Loading Activity: None
This is more useful than recording only a sound level.
Create a Factory Noise Record
A basic record can include:
Date
Time
Location
Sound level
Measurement setting
Measurement duration
Instrument model
Distance from source
Machines operating
Observation
Corrective action
For example:
Location Operating Condition Measurement Purpose Observation
Machine A Normal production Reference reading Record fixed position
Compressor Area Loading cycle Compare operating stages Note door position
Worker Position Normal shift Workplace screening Identify nearby sources
Loading Bay Forklift operating Activity comparison Record vehicle movement
Office Boundary Production operating Check noise transfer Compare door open and closed
Factory Boundary Normal operation Initial screening Formal assessment may differ
Repeatable measurement points make future comparisons more useful.
Measure Before and After Maintenance
Machine noise may change because of:
Bearing wear
Mechanical looseness
Misalignment
Damaged guards
Poor lubrication
Air leakage
Vibration
Worn components
Record:
Before Maintenance → Noise + operating condition
Maintenance Action → Work completed
After Maintenance → Repeat measurement
Use the same location, distance and production condition where possible.
A lower reading after maintenance can support the maintenance record, but the operating conditions must be comparable.
Combine Noise and Vibration Measurements
An unusually noisy motor, pump, fan or compressor may also show abnormal vibration.
Possible combined checks include:
Sound level
Vibration
Surface temperature
Operating current
Machine speed
Visual condition
A portable vibration meter such as a suitable Landtek VM6310, VM6360 or VM6380 may support further machinery-condition checks.
Noise measurement identifies the sound condition.
Vibration measurement provides different mechanical information.
One does not replace the other.
Spot Measurement vs Noise Dosimeter
A portable sound level meter is useful for:
Area spot checks
Machine comparisons
Troubleshooting
Before-and-after maintenance checks
Identifying locations for further assessment
A noise dosimeter is worn by a worker to measure exposure over time.
The basic difference is:
Sound Level Meter → Measures sound at a location
Noise Dosimeter → Measures a worker’s accumulated exposure during a period
Select the instrument according to the purpose of the assessment.
What Can Affect Noise Readings?
Noise measurements may be affected by:
Distance from the source
Instrument orientation
Reflections from walls
Multiple machines
Wind
Rain
Doors opening
Vehicles
Temporary impact noise
Measurement duration
Meter settings
Background noise
Do not compare readings collected under very different conditions without recording those differences.
What If the Reading Is High?
If an unexpectedly high reading appears:
Repeat the measurement
Confirm the meter setting
Check for temporary noise
Record active machines
Compare another location
Inspect the suspected equipment
Check vibration or mechanical condition
Review whether formal assessment is required
Do not immediately conclude that one spot reading proves regulatory non-compliance.
A competent occupational or environmental noise assessment may require a defined method, suitable instrumentation and longer measurement periods.
How Can Noise Records Support ESG?
Noise records may support the social and workplace-safety aspects of ESG by documenting:
Employee concerns
Workplace screening
Machinery maintenance
Noise-control improvements
Before-and-after comparisons
Corrective actions
Areas selected for further assessment
The record should show what action followed the measurement.
For example:
High Machine Noise → Maintenance inspection arranged
Noise Entering Office → Door and separation reviewed
Employee Concern → Measurement route completed
Repeated High Reading → Formal assessment considered
Collecting readings without follow-up provides limited value.
Sound Level Meter for Factory ESG Records Malaysia
MTM Precision supplies portable sound level meters for:
Factories
Machinery checks
Facility maintenance
HVAC inspection
Loading areas
Workplace screening
Environmental troubleshooting
ESG workplace records
Suitable models may be available from Tenmars, Landtek, Wintact, Benetech and other instrument categories, depending on the measurement requirement.
Before selecting a meter, provide the application, expected noise range, logging requirement and whether the purpose is general checking or a formal assessment.
Contact MTM Precision
MTM Precision Sdn Bhd
Showroom & Service Centre: No. 29-1 & 29-2, Jalan Bandar 18, Pusat Bandar Puchong, 47160 Puchong, Selangor, Malaysia
Tel: 03-8080 7172
WhatsApp: +6016-660 7346
Email: mtmpre@yahoo.com
Website: www.mtmpre.com.my
Contact MTM Precision for suitable sound level meters for factory noise and ESG workplace records in Malaysia.
04 Oct 2026
